Have you ever had a tuna salad sandwich? If so, you’re already familiar with canned seafood — at least to an extent! The world of tinned fish is fast, including numerous types of fish you can eat in various ways. Continue reading to learn more about canned seafood options and how you can use them in different recipes.

Types of Canned Fish

There are different types of canned seafood, giving you numerous options when it comes to choosing canned seafood.

Some of the most common types of tinned seafood include the following:

• Tuna: Tuna is a very common canned seafood that is packaged in tin containers. There are several ways people eat canned tuna, including tuna salad, tuna sandwiches and even tuna mixed with a mayonnaise-based sauce! This fish is a great source of protein, making it a delicious meal or snack.
• Sardines: Sardines are another common type of canned seafood that is packaged in a tin can. While most people eat sardines right out of the can, you can use them as a topping for pizzas and salads, too.
• Shellfish: There are many types of canned shellfish, including mussels, clams and oysters. These are commonly eaten raw out of the can, but you can also enjoy them cooked or sauteed. For example, people use canned shellfish in pasta.
• Anchovies: Anchovies are another common type of canned seafood. Often, people use anchovies as a topping. Many people put anchovies in their salads, pasta and pizza. Aside from using them as a topping, you can eat anchovies right out of the can.

Is Canned Seafood Cooked?

The simple answer is yes. This type of seafood goes through a step-by-step process once it’s caught. When the seafood is ready for canning, it’s thawed and cleaned thoroughly. Once cooled, the fish is cleaned. Then, it’s packed into air-tight cans or tins, which often contain either water or oil as a base. Using heat or pressure, the fish is effectively cooked and canned before making its way to your grocery store shelf.

If you enjoy eating seafood at a warm or hot temperature, you may be wondering how you can achieve that with canned sardines or tuna. Fortunately, it’s simple to do so. For a quick and simple hot snack, you can microwave your tinned fish on a plate or in a bowl. Alternatively, you can heat it up on your stove in a pan or incorporate it into a dish you’re already cooking.

3 Benefits of Canned Seafood

There are several benefits of canned seafood. From convenience to health advantages, there’s a lot to love about tinned seafood. Explore a few perks of eating canned fish below.

1. You Don’t Have to Refrigerate It

The first benefit of canned seafood is the fact you don’t have to refrigerate it. In short, canned seafood can simply sit on your shelves until you’re ready to eat it — at least for a few years when it reaches its expiration. This benefit brings its own pros.

• Sustainability: First, you don’t have to waste energy preserving it in your fridge or freezer, meaning sardines and other versions of canned fish can be more sustainable than buying fresh cuts at the market.
• Accessibility: Secondly, you can bring canned fish almost anywhere. If you’re heading to work, you can keep a tin of seafood in your bag to eat at lunch, even if you forgot your lunch box. Are you going camping? Bringing tinned fish is a must.
• Convenience: Last, you can keep tinned fish and other nonperishable foods on hand for food you can eat in an emergency. Stocking your shelves with tuna will make a difference when your power goes out and you can’t access your fridge for a day or two.

2. You Can Enjoy Health Benefits

The most common canned fish have plenty of health benefits. For example, sardines offer a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. When eaten in a salad or soup, tinned fish can be a delicious source of protein alongside the rest of the healthy ingredients in your dish. Incorporating some form of fish into your diet can ensure you get specific vitamins and minerals.

3. You Can Eat It If You Don’t Have Fresh Seafood

This type of seafood is the perfect alternative for fresh seafood when you don’t live in a place near the ocean, such as Southwest Florida. There’s seemingly no end to the number of dishes you can make with tinned fish.

From sandwiches to salads to soups, you can incorporate canned seafood into your weekly meal rotation with ease. If you need a quick snack, try mixing tuna fish with mayonnaise and seasoning with salt and pepper. For a gourmet canned seafood meal, consider a pasta dish with canned clams and fresh lemon.

Feel free to experiment!

Advantages of Fresh Over Canned Seafood

While canned seafood can be more convenient for individuals who prefer easy meals, there’s nothing like enjoying fresh seafood dishes. Of course, the best place to enjoy fresh seafood is by the ocean. Some of the great benefits of eating fresh seafood include:

• This food promotes a healthy heart, reducing the risks of heart conditions like heart attacks.
• It provides a natural source of nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin B and vitamin A.
• A meal made with fresh seafood has a delicious, unique flavor.
• Visitors can try local catches and learn more about the location when eating seafood on the coast.
• Choosing local fresh seafood helps local fishers, crabbers, shrimpers and other individuals who catch seafood.

When you have the opportunity to eat fresh seafood, whether you can purchase it at the supermarket or you’re visiting a location like Southwest Florida, it can be one of the best meals you’ll enjoy. Exploring the world of fresh seafood can open up plenty of opportunities to try new food, eat nutritious meals and check out what sea creatures are in the ocean where you live or where you’re visiting.

Eat at the Top Seafood Restaurant in Naples

Visit Naples’ top seafood restaurant, USS Nemo Restaurant, for a delicious selection of fresh seafood and a stunning dining atmosphere. USS Nemo has received awards and recognition year over year for our cuisine and ambiance. In particular, Naples Illustrated voted us as “The Best Seafood Restaurant in Naples!”

The next time you’re in Naples, Florida, make a reservation — we look forward to serving you.