Streams of Salmon: Learn What’s on Your Plate

Salmon swimming up a river to spawn.

In today’s world, it’s increasingly common for consumers to feel disconnected from their food sources. This is especially true when it comes to seafood, where the variety of species and fishing regions can be confusing. Understanding what’s on your plate, particularly with salmon, is essential for making informed choices when buying at the market.

What Is Salmon?

Salmon are ray-finned fish found in the North Atlantic (genus Salmo) and North Pacific (genus Oncorhynchus) basins. These anadromous fish spend most of their lives in saltwater but migrate to freshwater rivers to spawn, after which they typically die.

Types of Salmon and Their Unique Characteristics

When shopping for salmon, it’s helpful to know the different types and their distinctive traits:

1. Atlantic Salmon

   • Weight: 6-12 lbs

   • Characteristics: Known for its high fat content, Atlantic salmon is a popular choice for sushi. Its light, flaky texture makes it perfect for grilling and baking.

2. Chinook (King) Salmon

   • Weight: 40 lbs (can exceed 120 lbs)

   • Characteristics: The largest salmon species, Chinook can range from pale white to deep red. Ideal for sushi, it’s also excellent grilled, baked, or smoked.

3. Coho (Silver) Salmon

   • Weight: 8-12 lbs

   • Characteristics: Found from California to Alaska, Coho salmon has bright orange-red flesh. Its moderate fat content and nutty flavor make it perfect for grilling, poaching, or smoking.

4. Keta (Chum) Salmon

   • Weight: 7-18 lbs

   • Characteristics: With a lighter color and milder flavor, Keta salmon is often used for canned products. It’s a great choice for fish sticks and patties.

5. Pink Salmon

   • Weight: 3-5 lbs (up to 12 lbs)

   • Characteristics: The smallest salmon, Pink salmon is typically canned and valued for its delicate flavor.

6. Sockeye (Red) Salmon

   • Weight: 4-15 lbs

   • Characteristics: Prized for its rich flavor and silky texture, Sockeye salmon has a high oil content, making it excellent for grilling, broiling, and roasting. Wild-caught primarily in Alaska and Canada, it’s a favorite among chefs.

7. Masu/Amago Salmon

   • Characteristics: This species is primarily found in Asia and less common in North America.

Is Steelhead a Type of Salmon?

While some may classify steelhead as salmon, it is technically a type of rainbow trout. Unlike salmon, steelhead do not die after spawning and can reproduce multiple times.

Fun Facts:

1. The earliest record of salmon in North America is of the ‘Saber-Tooth Salmon’ in fossils dating up to 7 million years ago. It had large front teeth and were 9ft long.

2. Pacific salmon are distantly related to Atlantic salmon but they can not inter-breed as these species have different numbers of chromosomes.

3. Pacific salmon return ‘home’ to their natal streams to reproduce! Adults return to the same streams that their parents used.

4. Once adult salmon return to freshwater, they do not eat. This means that adults can go six months without food while transferring body fats into their gametes for reproduction.

5. Salmon in their saltwater phase travel an estimated 18 miles a day, but they are capable of maintaining an average of 34 miles per day over long distances.

Conclusion: Choose Wisely at Your Local Farmers Market

Understanding the different types of salmon can enhance your seafood dining experience. The next time you visit your local farmers market in Seattle, you’ll feel more confident in your seafood selections. Explore the varieties, ask questions, and enjoy the delicious flavors of fresh, local salmon!

Market vendors who specialize in salmon:

1. Native Candy

2. Loki Fish Co.

Other resources:

1. Fulton Fish Market

2. Pacific Salmon Foundation

3. The Tasting Table : Less Fishy Salmon

4. Only Foods: Pictures of Different Salmon