How to can tuna??

Wang · 07-22-2002, 07:19 AM

Any recipe ideas on how to can tuna up? I used to get some my a neighbor lady of mine. If I remember right she cut the tuna up into 1 " chunks,put the tuna in a pint size jar, add onion,garlic,water and oil. Just not sure if she added anything else or not. How much water and oil and what kind of oil?

Anybody else cooked any up like this? How long in the pressure cooker? Any other flavoring ideas.

Thanks for any help I get.

Im going to buy some off the dock this week. How many pounds of tuna to make up 36 jars worth?

Threemuch · 07-22-2002, 12:37 PM

I top mine with tap water, but otherwise same as Killertraylor.

Killertraylor · 07-22-2002, 11:19 PM

I just cut mine into big chunks - 3 to 4 inches long and can them in Pint jars. No water, no oil, no seasoning. I can them at 11 lbs for 100 minutes. To make 36 pint size jars, I'd probably buy 5 tuna in the 15 lb. range. Eat some fresh on the grill too - it's the best fish there is fresh.

Pilar · 07-23-2002, 06:03 AM

USDA recommends the following and it works!

Pack jar with clean meat, no bones or skin. Leave 1/2" to 3/4" headspace in the jar. Add 1 tsp non iodized salt per jar (note: this is salty, I use 1/2 tsp.) . Wipe the sealing surface clean, put the lids on and pressure cook for 100 minutes at 10psig.

Bon appetit!

Bait O' Eggs · 07-23-2002, 06:20 AM

Pilar nailed this one, we did the 1 tsp of salt and it was to salty, we use 1/2 tsp now and think it is perfect.

Canning tuna at home makes those little cans in the store taste like cat food.

will_e_fish · 07-23-2002, 08:13 PM

yep that is what Ball canning said as well. I l was looking for tips on the process. Here is their site and tuna recipes. They mentioned a baked one, I have had it and it is great!
http://www.homecanning.com/usa/AlRecipes.asp?R=355
What I want to know, how many jars do you need per average fish? I am trying to estimate the initiaL purchase. Dont think I have seen the jars at Costco. Who has the best price on jars?
In Newport the community has regular canning parties and puts out flyers for them.

speyfly · 07-24-2002, 02:31 PM

Pint jar, 1/2 tsp salt, one (whole) bay leaf. MMMMM GOOOOD!

Wang · 07-25-2002, 07:01 AM

Thanks everyone!!
The skipper of the boat I'm buying it from say's to figure quanity and 1lb. per 1/2 pint.

will_e_fish · 07-25-2002, 08:15 AM

**** - thanks for the handy tip on jar to weight info. Now to find a good deal on jars. I want a spilt of sizes pints and half pints. I used to help my mom can so I am familiar with jar sterilization and handling.

Mr. Fisherman · 07-26-2002, 10:59 AM

We found jars on sale at Bi-Mart for about $7.00 per case of Pint size jars.
Saved about a buck a box.

We can at 100 minutes at 10 pounds too and have tried a number of recipes.

We tried the teaspoon of salt per pint and it was a little salty but we found that by adding a teaspoon of sugar when you mix the tuna to cook with it was great.

I think my favorite recipe is 1/2 tsp salt and 1 Table spoon of good quality olive oil.

I think that cutting the fish into 1" cubes will yield more fish in each jar as the fish reduces when it is processed. Make sure to allow that head space.

If you want to try something that will have all yer buddies asking for a recipe for Tuna Salad try this... 1 pint of tuna, 3 TBS good quality mayo, 3 TBS Green stuffed olives, 3 good pickeled Jalipieno peppers, 3 hard boiled eggs and 3 cloves of minced garlic.

In a food processor pulse the olives, peppers, eggs, garlic and mayo together untill it is fairly smooth. Add tuna and pulse until mixed well.

Toast your favorite bread. We prefer potato bread. Spoon a gernerous helping of Mr. Fishermans famous Tuna Salad on a slice of toast, edge to edge. Slice sharp cheader cheese (like Tillimook Sharp Cheader) to cover each slice. Place 4 to 6 inches below a hot broiler for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and just starting to turn crispy. Cover with the other slice of toast and cut in half. You will eat until you are uncomfortable and still want more.
I like to make up a couple of jars and vac pack them and keep them in the fridge. It dosen't last long.

Hope this helps...

[ 07-26-2002, 12:14 PM: Message edited by: Mr. Fisherman ]

craigc · 07-28-2002, 08:12 PM

Winco is another good source for canning jars... I haven't checked for the prices, but I'd expect they'll be on the low end of the scale of about $6 to $7 per case..... other than looking at garage sales... I'd like to know if we can do a quantity buy on new/used jars from someone.... I would be willing to buy 5 to 10 cases. Anyone have additional information or interested ??? Craig