Quick answer: Mojama is tuna cured in salt and air-dried. It concentrates a lot of protein per gram: 350-400 kcal per 100g, with 60-70g of protein and 8-12g of fat. It's not fattening in realistic consumption: a tapa portion (20-30g, about 10-12 thin slices) provides only 70-110 kcal. It is one of the most protein-rich appetizers in the world.
What is mojama
Mojama is tuna (mainly skipjack or bluefin tuna) salted and air-dried, a Phoenician technique dating back to the 6th century BC. The result is a dehydrated, intense product with a deep sea and umami flavor. Due to its dehydration, calories and protein are concentrated per gram.
Mojama calories and macros
| Per 100 g | Cured mojama | Fresh bluefin tuna | Iberian ham |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 kcal | 140-160 kcal | 350-380 kcal |
| Protein | 60-70 g | 22-25 g | 30-35 g |
| Fat | 8-12 g | 5-7 g | 22-28 g |
| Salt | 6-9 g | 0.1 g | 4-5 g |
Nutritional values taken as approximate ranges according to BEDCA (Spanish Food Composition Database) and USDA FoodData Central. The exact figure varies by origin, cut, preservation, and preparation method.
Compared to Iberian ham, mojama has almost double the protein and half the fat. It is, per gram, one of the most efficient appetizers in the world.
Is it fattening? The honest answer
No, not in realistic portions. Mojama is eaten in very thin slices. A tapa portion is 8-12 slices (20-30g) which provide 70-110 kcal and 12-18g of protein. Better protein/calorie ratio than almost any appetizer.
Gourmet Mojama de Atún - 200g Tuna cured in the traditional Cadiz style. Premium appetizer: high protein, low fat. View product →How to consume it in a healthy diet
- Very thin slices: when translucent, a slice weighs 2-3g.
- Tapa portion: 20-30g, equivalent to 8-12 slices.
- With raw almond and EVOO in classic skewers.
- On ripe tomato: 1-2 slices enhance the flavor.
- Limit due to sodium: 1-2 times a week if you have high blood pressure.
Light pairings with mojama
1. Mojama, tomato and almond skewer (≈ 90 kcal)
Cherry tomato, raw almond, 1 thin slice of mojama, EVOO.
2. Mojama and avocado carpaccio (≈ 220 kcal)
20g mojama, half a sliced avocado, sea salt flakes and lemon.
Whole Gourmet Mojama de Atún - 1.8kg Artisanal whole piece for gifts or events. Traditional Cadiz curing of the highest quality. View product →Myths about mojama
- "It has too many calories": per 100g yes, but no one eats 100g of mojama at once. A tapa portion is 70-110 kcal.
- "It's just salt": false. It is one of the most protein-rich foods in the world (60-70g/100g).
- "It's as fattening as ham": it has half the fat of Iberian ham and almost double the protein.
