Balfegó bluefin tuna loin

The perfect combination

The akami, meaning 'red meat' in Japanese, is located in the inner part of the loin, next to the spine. Its main attributes are its red colour and intense flavour. Chutoro means 'medium mellowness', as it has a fat content between that of akami (lean) and otoro ?the belly, fatty?. It is the outer part of the loin, very close to the skin, and is characterised by its pink colour and oiliness. The combination of akami and chutoro is the hallmark of authentic bluefin tuna (hon maguro), and is lauded by sushi chefs all over the world. This duality of colours and textures offers chefs endless culinary possibilities.