When it comes to seafood, salmon is one of the most popular items because it’s nutritious and delicious. But not all salmon is created equal. There are three main types of salmon: Atlantic, wild Pacific, and farmed Pacific. The Atlantic and wild Pacific varieties come from cold waters, while the farmed variety is raised in warm water.
When buying your salmon at a store or fish market, all you need is a little common sense. Just be sure to buy your salmon from a reputable fresh-fish establishment, and follow the informative tips below to add freshness and flavor to your meals. Here are some tips for choosing fresh salmon.
Purchasing Salmon
There are several characteristics to look for when buying salmon cuts. And the criteria might be slightly different depending on the species of salmon and the cut of fish that you’re looking to buy.
Use these basic guidelines and you won’t go wrong.
When buying salmon steak and filets, look for:
- deep salmon-pink color
- meat that is firm, elastic (springs back when pressed gently) and is translucent
- a mild aroma somewhat similar to that of fresh fruit
- smooth, clean cuts—no gaping or separation of muscle fibers (indicates old fish)
- air-tight packaging with no liquid
When buying whole salmon, look for:
- firm, glossy skin
- clear eyes, not cloudy eyes
- bright red gills
- firm light-pink flesh that is elastic and translucent
- a mild aroma
When buying frozen salmon, look for:
- good, consistent pink color and no odor
- tightly sealed packaging
- any evidence of frost (frost can indicate that the packaging hasn’t been sealed properly)
- little or no air space between salmon and the packaging
In Conclusion – How to Buy Salmon
When it comes to buying salmon, there are just a few things you need to be aware of. The first is that there are different types of salmon. The most common type is Atlantic salmon, which is what you’ll find in most markets. There are also Pacific salmon and Chinook salmon.
The next thing to be aware of is the color of the salmon. Salmon can be pink, red, or orange. The color is a good indicator of the freshness of the fish. The fresher the salmon, the brighter its color will be.
Finally, make sure to ask the fishmonger where the salmon