Want to indulge in a healthy snack? Then, you should consider fish jerky. It's high in protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and low in saturated fat, making it a healthier alternative to traditional beef jerky.
When it comes to fish jerky, there are various options. You might have encountered two standout options: ono fish and ahi tuna jerky. Both are incredibly nutritious and healthy snack options. But which one is right for your palate?
In this blog post, we'll explore what differentiates ono fish from ahi tuna, compare both, and provide tips on how to buy the best fish jerky online.
Ono fish, popularly known as wahoo fish, is a species primarily found in the Pacific. It is especially abundant around the Hawaiian Islands. In Hawaiian, the word ono translates to ''tasty'' or ''good to eat'', a name befitting the delicious ono fish.
The ono Hawaiian fish is closely related to the king mackerel and has a torpedo-like body that makes it a fast swimmer. This quality makes it a highly coveted fish among sports fishermen.
Ahi refers to two tuna species: the bigeye and the yellowfin tuna. While both species look similar, the bigeye tuna has a distinct plump body and a larger head and eyes. In contrast, the yellowfin variety has a slender profile and a torpedo-shaped body. It also has distinct bright yellow dorsal and anal fins that become longer with age.
Fun fact: In Hawaiian, the word ahi means ''fire'', and it's believed to have come from the vigorous thrashing of hooked tuna that looks like flames.
Ono and ahi tuna are popular fish options, particularly in Hawaiian cuisine. But they aren't quite the same. Here are key characteristics that set them apart:
Ono fish has a mild flavor, while ahi tuna has a slightly stronger flavor. That said, bigeye tuna tends to have a more gamey flavor than yellowfin tuna.
While ono and ahi tuna have firm textures, ahi tuna has a leaner texture — particularly yellowfin ahi tuna.
Ono and ahi tuna cook relatively fast because they're both lean fish. So, you'll want to be fast on the grill to avoid overcooking. However, ahi tuna typically cooks faster because it's a leaner fish.
While Ono fish and ahi tuna are both low in fat, the latter has a higher fat content — particularly bigeye ahi tuna. This makes bigeye tuna fantastic for grilling compared to ono.
Ono has a flesh color that's off-white to light pink, but it becomes opaque when cooked. In contrast, ahi tuna has reddish or pinkish flesh. Similarly, it becomes opaque when cooked.
Both ono and ahi tuna jerky are high in protein and low in saturated fat, making them healthy snack options. However, ono fish jerky is lower in omega-3 fatty acids and fat than ahi tuna.
That said, both ono and ahi tuna jerky are rich in the following nutrients:
Ono jerky has a mild flavor, so you'll love it if you enjoy fish jerky with a more subtle taste. In contrast, ahi tuna jerky has a more pronounced fish flavor, so you might prefer it for a more robust taste.
If you love relatively chewy jerky, you'll enjoy ono fish jerky. It has a chewy texture and a fairly meaty feel due to its dense flesh. On the other hand, you might prefer ahi tuna jerky if you don't enjoy chewy jerky. It has a leaner texture, making it easier to chew, particularly if made with a fatty cut.
Both ono and ahi tuna jerky are low in fat, making them healthy snack choices. However, Ono typically has a lower fat content than ahi tuna. If you want a snack that's super low in fat, you might prefer ono. On the other hand, you might opt for ahi tuna if you want to dig into a jerky with a slightly higher fat content that holds up well when grilled.
Whether you enjoy sweet, spicy, or smoky jerky, fish jerky can take on various seasonings. However, ono fish jerky may require more seasoning because of its mild flavor, while ahi tuna may require less seasoning because of its fish-forward flavor.
Our ono and ahi tuna fish jerky variants come in various flavors, including garlic pepper, teriyaki, honey glazed, citrus, and more.
Experience a flavor journey to the islands with four distinct, handcrafted flavors of tender Ahi Tuna Jerky
A trio of bold, delicious, health-conscious Wahoo Jerky flavors for the ultimate in premium snacking.
Savor rich, island-inspired flavors from Hawaii’s finest fish, packed with protein and artisan quality in every bite.
Shopping for fish jerky online can be a convenient way to explore a variety of flavors and brands from the comfort of your home. With many options available, it's important to know what to look for. This way, you can get high-quality, tasty jerky.
Here are some key tips to help you make the best choice when purchasing fish jerky online:
When buying fish jerky online, it's important to pay close attention to ingredients. Choose brands that use natural ingredients and avoid those with artificial preservatives. Also, opt for fish jerky made with wild-caught fish. Not only is wild-caught fish less exposed to chemicals, but it's also more nutritious than farm-bred fish.
Customer reviews can reveal a lot about the taste, texture, and quality of a fish jerky brand. They can also provide valuable insights about a brand's customer service, such as responsiveness, delivery times, and return policy. Choose a brand with favorable reviews and avoid brands with many unfavorable reviews.
The best fish jerky brands aren't solely concerned with profits. The top brands also care about people and the planet. Choose brands with product credentials demonstrating their commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
We all have different taste buds. While spicy flavors appeal to some people, others prefer mellow flavors. Choose a brand that offers fish jerky in a variety of flavors, so you can explore and find a flavor that suits your preferences. This is especially important if you're buying jerky for a large household.
Whether you're shopping for wahoo fish or ahi tuna jerky, we have a variety of fish jerky flavors. From sweet and spicy to tangy and smoky, you'll be spoilt for choice! And best of all? All our fish jerky is made with fresh-caught fish and contains no artificial preservatives. So, you can rest assured you're getting the finest fish jerky Hawaii offers.
Yes, ono and wahoo are the same fish. Also known as the barracuda fish or the Pacific kingfish, Ono is the name commonly used to refer to the fish in Hawaii. Ono means ''delicious'' or ''good to eat'' in Hawaiian.
Wahoo is a healthy fish to eat. It's low in fat and sodium, making it perfect for individuals watching their weight. It's also rich in protein and essential nutrients such as selenium, phosphorus, and B vitamins.
Yes, premium ahi tuna jerky is a nutritious snack choice! It’s packed with protein, making it great for keeping you feeling full and satisfied. This fish jerky is also low in saturated fat and sodium, making it a heart-healthy option.
Plus, it’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain and heart health. You’ll also find important nutrients like selenium, phosphorus, and B vitamins in the best ahi tuna jerky, adding to its benefits as a wholesome, energy-boosting snack.
Fish jerky can last up to a year, depending on how it's processed, the fish jerky type, and storage conditions. Generally, lean fish with minimal fat, like ono, tend to have a longer shelf life than fatty fish like salmon. Additionally, preservatives can extend the shelf life of jerky, but certain preservatives, such as sodium nitrite, can harm your health.
Exposure to direct sunlight and moisture are the primary reasons fish jerky goes bad quickly. If you want to extend the shelf life of your fish jerky, store it in a cool, low-humidity area that's away from direct sunlight, such as a pantry.
If you want to extend the shelf life of your jerky for much longer, place it in a vacuum-sealed bag and refrigerate it. Doing so will expel air and keep it out, preventing it from going bad due to moisture.
