Wild Alaskan salmon is fished under strict regulations to ensure that enough adults are left to spawn each year to produce the next generation of fish. Each salmon only spawns one time in its lifetime and dies shortly thereafter. The wild Alaskan salmon trade is a sustainable industry that is strictly regulated by the Alaska Board of Fisheries and the Alaska Department of Fish & Game.
Although wild Alaskan salmon is costlier than its farm raised cousin, the wild variety is a healthier option for consumers. Farm raised salmon is lower in nutrients and studies have shown that the farm raised variety can have up to 10 times the level of pollutants compared to wild caught salmon. Farm raised fish are often fed antibiotics to keep parasites, such as sea lice, from totally decimating their numbers.
Farmed raised salmon is not a sustainable enterprise. Farm raised fish are fed a meal made primarily of wild fish obtained from outside sources. It takes approximately 3 pounds of fish meal to produce one pound of farm raised fish. Farm raised salmon are fed colorants to give their meat the characteristic orange-pink coloring. Wild Alaskan salmon obtain this coloring naturally by feeding on a variety of crustaceans such as krill.
Salmon is a delicious variety of fish that is high in protein, calcium and Omega-3 oils while being low in cholesterol. Here are a few recipes which feature this delightful fish.
Recipes
Ginger Teriyaki Salmon
This is a wonderful light dish which can be served along with rice and a salad for a complete meal.
1 pound salmon fillets
1/3 cup teriyaki sauce
1/3 cup water
2 inch piece of fresh ginger – peeled and minced
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Place the salmon in a 1 1/2 quart glass baking dish. Pour the teriyaki sauce and water over the fish and sprinkle with the ginger root. Place the pan in the oven and cook for 25-30 minutes until the fish is thoroughly cooked and flakes easily with a fork. Baste frequently with the teriyaki sauce while cooking.
Salmon Fiesta with Basil and Thyme
This is a variation of a meal served at a local Italian restaurant. You may serve it along with your favorite type of pasta or noodles and a fragrant loaf of garlic bread to complete your meal.
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup red onions – peeled and chopped
1 cup tomatoes – chopped
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1 pound salmon fillets – skin removed
1/3 cup sweet basil leaves
fresh lemon slices to garnish
Place the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook for 5 more minutes. Stir in the vinegar, lemon juice, white wine, thyme and salt. Cut the salmon into chunks and add to the pan and cook 5 to 7 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the heat and stir in the basil. Garnish with fresh slices of lemon and serve immediately.
Tarragon Salmon
Serve this dish along with a salad and either white or brown rice for a complete meal.
1 pound salmon fillets
1/3 cup tarragon vinegar
1/3 cup water
2 cloves garlic – minced
1 tablespoon fresh tarragon leaves – chopped fine
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Place the salmon in a 1 1/2 quart glass baking dish. Pour the tarragon vinegar and water over the fish and sprinkle with the garlic and tarragon leaves. Place the dish in the oven and cook for 25-30 minutes until the fish is thoroughly cooked and flakes easily with a fork. Baste frequently with the sauce while cooking.
Resources
Delicious Organics article “Wild vs. Farm or Ocean-Raised Fish”: http://www.deliciousorganics.com/Controversies/wildvsfarmfish.htm
Sierra Club article “When it Comes to Salmon, Buy Wild”: http://www.sierraclub.org/e-files/wild_salmon.asp
Vital Choice; wild seafood and organics – www.vitalchoice.com.
Vital Choice founder Randy Hartnell spent more than 20 years fishing salmon in the waters of Alaska. This company sells a variety of natural, organic and kosher foods including a selection of wild Alaskan salmon. According to their website “the Alaskan Salmon fishery is certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council.”
Wild River Grilling Co. – www.wildrivergrilling.com. Gourmet salmon cuisine products including wild Alaskan salmon.
Reference:
- Alaska Department of Fish & Game: www.adfg.state.ak.us
