Melva Tuna: What It Is, Properties
and Tinned Fillets
What Is Melva Tuna?
All the Flavour of the South
Melva tuna (frigate tuna) is a small oily fish belonging to the tuna family, like other tuna species and mackerel. Known as melva in Spain, it has firm flesh and a mild flavour and is caught mainly in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
Melva tuna stands out for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein. For this reason, it is considered a healthy oily fish and is highly valued as part of the Mediterranean diet. Traditionally popular in southern Spain, especially in Andalusia, melva tuna is commonly eaten tinned, where its texture and flavour are preserved and can even improve over time.
Galician Tinned Melva Tuna Fillets
At Conservas Rías Baixas, we pack melva tuna fillets by hand at our factory in Moaña, following traditional processes and carefully selecting the raw material. We offer different formats adapted both to the hospitality sector and professional distribution.
Our Tinned Melva Tuna Products
At Conservas Rías Baixas, we produce only carefully selected melva tuna fillets packed in olive oil or sunflower oil, preserving all their natural flavour without preservatives or artificial additives. We offer this full range of formats so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Melva Tuna Fillets
Clean fillets with firm flesh and a mild flavour, prepared traditionally.
A nutritious and tasty preserve, perfect for cold dishes, tapas or light recipes.
| REFERENCE | FORMAT | NET WEIGHT | DRAINED WEIGHT | TINS/BOX | LINK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MELVA FILLET IN OLIVE OIL | RR-90 F.A. | 85 g | 57 g | 50 | technical data sheet |
| MELVA FILLET IN SUNFLOWER OIL | RR-90 F.A. | 85 g | 57 g | 50 | technical data sheet |
| MELVA FILLET IN OLIVE OIL | RR-125 F.A. | 120 g | 78 g | 50 | technical data sheet |
| MELVA FILLET IN SUNFLOWER OIL | RR-125 F.A. | 120 g | 78 g | 50 | technical data sheet |
| MELVA FILLET IN OLIVE OIL | RO-280 F.A. | 270 g | 175 g | 48 | technical data sheet |
| MELVA FILLET IN SUNFLOWER OIL | RO-280 F.A. | 270 g | 175 g | 48 | technical data sheet |
| MELVA FILLET IN OLIVE OIL | RO-550 | 510 g | 332 g | 24 | technical data sheet |
| MELVA FILLET IN SUNFLOWER OIL | RO-550 | 510 g | 332 g | 24 | technical data sheet |
| MELVA FILLET IN OLIVE OIL | RO-900 | 850 g | 555 g | 12 | technical data sheet |
| MELVA FILLET IN SUNFLOWER OIL | RO-900 | 850 g | 555 g | 12 | technical data sheet |
| MELVA FILLET IN OLIVE OIL | RO-1000 | 990 g | 650 g | 12 | technical data sheet |
| MELVA FILLET IN SUNFLOWER OIL | RO-1000 | 990 g | 650 g | 12 | technical data sheet |
Frequently Asked Questions About Melva Tuna
What is the difference between melva tuna and mackerel?
Although both are oily fish, melva tuna and mackerel are not exactly the same. Melva tuna belongs to the tuna family and tends to have a milder flavour and firmer texture, while mackerel is slightly fattier with a more intense flavour. Both are healthy and rich in omega-3, but each brings different qualities to cooking and to tinned preserves.
Is melva tuna an oily fish?
Yes, melva tuna is an oily fish due to its omega-3 fatty acid content. Like other oily fish, it provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients, making it a healthy option both fresh and tinned.
What are the properties of tinned melva tuna?
Tinned melva tuna keeps most of its nutritional properties. It is rich in protein, omega-3 and B-group vitamins, and also provides minerals such as phosphorus and selenium. As part of a balanced diet, it is a practical, healthy way to enjoy fish all year round.
Is it true that melva tuna in oil improves with time?
Yes, thanks to resting and maturing, the fish absorbs the oil and its flavour and texture improve even further.
Can I buy it online?
Of course. Visit our shop and choose a box of 6, 12 or 25 tins of melva tuna (or combine it with other references). We deliver it free to your door anywhere on mainland Spain.
How can I buy if I am a retailer or distributor?
If you are a professional, check the representatives section for our representative in your area and get in touch with them. Or, if you prefer, you can write to us through our contact form.
Properties of Melva Tuna and Nutritional Value
Melva tuna forms part of the culinary memory of many regions of Spain. Although it is especially popular in Andalusia, where it enjoys an unquestionable reputation, it has also been present for generations on the southern coast of Galicia.
Melva tuna belongs to the same family as tuna and mackerel, Scombridae, although it is smaller and its flesh is more delicate. Its consumption has been documented since Ancient Rome.
An Oily Fish with Three Virtues
Melva tuna is an oily fish that combines flavour, nutritional value and versatility, making it an excellent choice for both professional and home kitchens.
Mild Flavour and Firm Flesh
High Nutritional Value
Versatility in the Kitchen
Melva Tuna in
Spanish Culinary Culture
Melva tuna forms part of the culinary memory of many places in Spain, but above all in Andalusia.
Present for decades in rustic empanadas, escabeche and as an ingredient in home cooking, its mild flavour and firm texture make it ideal for both simple preparations and more elaborate dishes.
In southern areas such as Seville, it has become one of the most highly prized members of the tuna family, a reputation that is gradually spreading to many other parts of the Iberian Peninsula.
On the southern coast of Galicia, including O Morrazo, this fish has been prepared for generations in both canning factories and family kitchens, respecting its qualities and combining them with local ingredients.
How to Cook and
Eat Tinned Melva Tuna
If you have it fresh, you can prepare it baked with vegetables, grilled or in a mild escabeche. If you choose it tinned, you have an easy, healthy and tasty way to include it in your everyday meals.