Tuna Belly in Sicilian PGI EVO Oil 340g - Drago

A Masterpiece of Tenderness: Drago Tuna Belly in Sicilian PGI Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Origin and Processing

This gourmet preserve features the most noble and sought-after cut: the tuna belly (ventresca). Sourced from the prized abdominal parts of Yellowfin Quality tuna (Thunnus albacares), the belly is distinguished by its natural fat marbling, which makes it incredibly tender and flavorful. Sebastiano Drago, a cornerstone of Syracuse's canning tradition since 1929, oversees every stage with the utmost artisanal dedication. The raw material is entirely hand-filleted and cleaned by hand, then gently placed in its characteristic aluminum tin and submerged in pure Sicilian PGI Extra Virgin Olive Oil and sea salt. A controlled, natural process, completely free of starches or preservatives, Dolphin Safe certified to protect and guarantee the biodiversity of our seas.

Sensory Profile

To the eye, the belly fillets appear whole and compact, featuring typical, delicate pinkish patterns that anticipate a unique texture, capable of literally melting in your mouth. To the nose, the rich marine scent merges sublimely with the fruity, herbaceous, and slightly peppery notes of the Sicilian PGI Extra Virgin Olive Oil. On the palate, the belly releases a pleasant roundness: it is velvety, sumptuous, and savory, yet never overpowered by the olive oil, which instead enhances it, prolonging its aromatic persistence and leaving a sensation of extraordinary softness and genuineness.

Usage Tips and Pairings

Considered the undisputed queen of seafood preserves, the tuna belly should be savored with care. The natural oil from the tin, enriched with the fish's natural juices and the notes of the PGI EVO oil, is a precious ingredient: use it to flavor your preparations.

• Linguine with Tuna Belly and Wild Fennel: Drain pasta al dente and toss it in a pan with a base of olive oil, garlic, chili, a handful of pine nuts, and wild fennel. Turn off the heat, add the coarsely flaked tuna belly, and serve immediately to preserve its exceptional delicateness.
• Gourmet Salad with Red Onion and Oranges: For a fresh dish with a typical Sicilian flavor, combine orange slices, thinly sliced red onion, Sicilian black olives, and abundant tuna belly. A drizzle of its own preservation oil will complete the dish perfectly.
• Natural Tasting: Serve the tuna belly at room temperature on a platter, accompanied by toasted durum wheat bread, tomato confit, and desalted Salina capers.

Our Strengths

• 🐟 Most Prized Cut: Only belly (ventresca), the softest and most flavorful part of yellowfin quality tuna.
• 🫒 Sicilian PGI Oil: Preserved exclusively in premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil PGI.
• 🤌 Handmade Since 1929: Sfiletted and processed by hand following the ancient Sebastiano Drago tradition.
• 🌿 Uncompromising Authenticity: Natural recipe with only sea salt, with no added starches or artificial preservatives.
• 🐬 Dolphin Safe Certified: Fishing that respects the marine environment and dolphin safety.

Values and Philosophy

Behind every single tin signed by Sebastiano Drago lies a deep connection with the maritime history and land of Sicily. For almost a century, the company has operated with the goal of promoting the territory through ingredients of excellence, such as Sicilian PGI Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and patient manual work passed down from generation to generation. This philosophy prioritizes honesty toward the consumer and respect for the slow rhythms of nature, rejecting industrial logic to offer a gourmet preserve that smells of the sea, the sun, and true Sicilian tradition.

Technical Data Sheet

• Product Name: Tuna Belly in Sicilian P.G.I. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Ingredients: Tuna (Thunnus albacares), Sicilian P.G.I. Extra Virgin Olive Oil, sea salt. No preservatives & starches.
• Allergens: May contain nuts (pistachios, almonds). Highlighted ingredients can cause reactions in people allergic or intolerant.
• Net Weight: 340 g
• Drained Weight: 240 g
• Packaging: Recyclable Aluminum Tin (ALU 41)
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Once opened, keep refrigerated and consume within a few days.
• Average Nutritional Value (per 100g of Drained Product): Energy: 1215 kJ / 291 kcal; Fat: 17.3 g (of which saturates: 1.14 g); Carbohydrates: 0 g (of which sugars: 0 g); Protein: 32.8 g; Fiber: 2.1 g; Salt: 0.9 g.