Alaska Salmon Information
The following is a guide of variables to take into consideration when you buy Alaska Salmon. In it I will cover everything from the different types of species to size and quality.
The icy waters of Alaska produce the most flavorful salmon in the world thanks to the wide availability of natural food for the salmon to feed on. Another important factor in the flavor of salmon is the fat content which is determined by the specie's genetics and spawning cycle. Salmon carry more fat content while spawning from the ocean to fresh water depending on how long and intense their trip is.
Quality and Grade Specifications:
The best reference to determine Alaska salmon quality is ASMI's quality and grade specification chart. However, most Alaska salmon suppliers have their own grading charts. Make sure to review your supplier's grades to ensure you buy the best salmon available for your needs.
Weight & Length:
Whole fresh Alaska salmon range in length from 30 to 40 inches. However, salmon are normally bought head-off, cleaned or filleted. Because of this salmon are weighed based on pounds per piece rather than whole.
Health and Omega-3 Source:
Very few foods offer as many valuable health contributions as Alaska salmon. It contains all essential amino acids, vitamins A, D, B2, B6 and a myriad of other healthy ingredients such as niacin, riboflavin, calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium. Alaska salmon are a rich source of heart disease preventing fatty acids in the form of EPA and DHA, such as omega-a. Omega-3 relaxes blood vessels, which maintains normal blood pressure, allows for healthy blood clotting, reduces the risk of death due to cardiac arrhythmias, and reduces blood triglycerides. A 4 ounce serving of salmon contains 33% of the recommended daily value of omega-3.
There are five different species of wild Alaska Salmon:
- Chinook (king) - Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
As far as flavor and texture are concerned Alaska king salmon is the best Alaskan salmon. Often served in the finest seafood restaurants they are usually served smoked in whole, steak and fillet forms. Their succulent meat, soft texture and blush color make them a prized salmon dish the world over.
- Coho (silver) - Oncorhynchus kisutch
Coho salmon have firm texture and a brilliant orange meat color which makes them very similar to king salmon. They have high fat content and are usually sold as steaks and filleted. You will usually find them smoked and frozen. Due to their fat content, coloring and texture they are served in high class seafood restaurants and are perfect for your upscale palate.
- Sockeye (red) - Oncorhynchus nerka
The Japanese cherish sockeye salmon for their deep red meat. You can buy red Alaska salmon whole, filleted and canned. They are the second most abundant salmon species caught in Alaskan waters and like king salmon have high oil content which gives their meat delightful flavor and delicate texture.
- Chum (keta) - Oncorhynchus keta
Chum salmon have a mild flavor, soft texture and eye pleasing coloring. The color of their meat ranges from light to dark depending on maturity and harvest location. Because they have a lower oil content than the other Alaskan salmon, they are more economical than other Alaskan varieties and are commonly consumed as steaks due to their size. Chums selected for steaks commonly weigh 5 - 10 pounds and yield around 9 ounce, 1 inch portions. Like other salmon you can buy them whole, filleted, canned or in steak form.
- Pink (humpy) - Oncorhynchus gorbuscha
Pink Salmon are the most economical of Alaskan varieties due to their great abundance. They can be identified by their rose colored meat, mild flavor and soft texture. They have a lower oil content compared to king, silver and sockeye varieties and are commonly used as ingredients in dishes such salads and pastas. They are normally sold whole, canned and smoked.
To ensure freshness the best place to buy Alaskan salmon is online through an Alaskan seafood supplier. You can buy it in several forms including smoked Alaska salmon, frozen Alaskan salmon and canned Alaska salmon. No matter what variety you buy I guarantee you will be pleased with the mild flavor and succulent texture. I have been a loyal salmon connoisseur for many years and although I lean toward the king and silver varieties, I've never been disappointed with the others.
When you buy Alaska salmon online it usually comes with a cookbook, however if you need Alaskan salmon recipes you can find them on this website. Enjoy your salmon!
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