Hi Trudymom. I don't really know about the mercury issue. But yes, albacore is very good. Not all brands are equal however. Unless you hit a good sale I find the more expensive the price the better the product generally. There could, however be exceptions. I know some of the brands now pack their tuna in olive oil. That would be a health benefit if you liked it not so dry. I usually buy packed in spring water too.

I would recommend trying a few different brands and seeing which you liked the best. My wife is not picky at all and could probably be just as happy with the cheaper brands. I am very picky....so...different strokes and all that!

Duane

Almost to many ways to look at that subject. On the subject of mercury the wiki has,

"(FDA) advises women of child-bearing age and children to completely avoid swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish and to limit consumption of king crab, snow crab, albacore tuna and tuna steaks to 6 oz. or less per week. However, there is no evidence that moderate consumption of fish in the U.S. poses a significant health hazard"

Okay... so 6oz is a pretty good hunk of tuna and the advise is aimed at children and pregnant women who might be affected. So most of us won't be overly poisoned by eating albacore tuna.

Then there is the dolphin angle. Tuna hide from sharks by hanging around dolphin. Fishermen spot the dolphins and drop nets to catch the tuna thus also killing the dolphins. Very bad situation for many reasons. Cruel to hurt the dolphins and future stocks of tuna lose protection from sharks in that area. Very human to find some cruel way to shoot ourselves in the foot.

Albacore tuna don't hang with dolphins so they are "dolphin safe". I think that is someone's marketing term for that situation.

So?... will you eat a tiny probably harmless quantity of mercury to help save a dolphin? Murcury comes from air pollution... notably burning coal. Would you risk nuclear power to avoid murcury in our food?

I think all tuna and many other ocean fish present the hazard of scombridae poisoning. If the fish is not processed before starting to spoil poisonous histamines are formed. You would expect decent honest fishermen would not allow such fish to be processed. The government should probably test for such poisons but we probably have a better chance of finding an honest man then honest government.

My grandfather once asked me, "why eat a fish that is a day old?". Indian thinking with much to say.

Last comment... I like the foil pouches!

: )
lyra

Marion Nestle in her book What to Eat- states mercury is a big problem and advises everyone to limit the amount of albacore tuna they eat. She recommends people eat dark tuna.

She is a nutritionist who write about food and the politics of food. I recommend her highly.

google Monterey bay Aquarium seafood watch. They have a comprehensive list of seafoods in green, yellow, and red light categories by safety, sustainability, extinction, etc. Very easy to read. They have wallet sized printouts for shopping and restaurant dining.

Great link Jessy!!!!!!!!!!!

Rita

I'm old, not preggers, and very ornery, I'll eat what I want!

Me too barnmom!
Just put about 15 pounds of fresh caught albacore in my freezer a month ago.

Life's terminal.......nobody gets out alive! I'm going to enjoy it while I'm here.

Everything in moderation however.

Gee. I think I just shared my life philosophy.....

Back to your regular programming...

Deanna