WILD SALMON VS FARMED SALMON

We always want to provide the best products for our customers. That's why, when it comes to eating fish, there's always a preference for buying wild fish over farmed fish.

We'll tell you about all the types of salmon and the characteristics of wild and farmed salmon. A very healthy fish with a high nutritional value.

General characteristics of Salmon

Salmon, from the Latin word Salmo, is an oily fish that lives in both saltwater and freshwater. Salmon are found in almost all the world's oceans and seas, giving them unique characteristics. The most curious thing about salmon is that they are born in rivers, but migrate down to the sea to feed and grow, and then return up the rivers where they were born to spawn and die.

Salmon has 5 different subspecies:

King Salmon
Red Salmon
Silver Salmon
Keta Salmon
Pink Salmon

Each one has different characteristics (size, color, morphology, etc.). For example, the king salmon is the largest subspecies of all salmon, as it can weigh almost 20 kg and has the highest omega-3 content.

Pink salmon is the smallest species, reaching a size similar to that of a large trout. This species is also known as humpback salmon because during spawning season, it develops a hump along its back.

Sockeye salmon is characterized by its reddish back. It is medium-sized compared to other species. Its flesh is leaner, has a firm texture, and a redder color compared to other salmon.

The coho salmon is between the size of a king salmon and a sockeye salmon. Its flesh has a higher fat content and it is the most consumed salmon species in Spain.

Keta salmon is similar to silver salmon, with the difference that its roe is larger than the rest, and therefore it is the favorite for sushi.

All of these species have in common a high content of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, and a low level of saturated fat and mercury. All of this makes salmon one of the most recommended fish for cholesterol-control diets.

Wild salmon vs. farmed salmon

Wild Salmon

Salmon is a fish caught in seas, rivers, and lakes, that is, in pristine, natural environments. Regarding its diet, salmon feed on living organisms such as small fish and crustaceans (the latter are responsible for its reddish flesh). Due to their varied diet, they are richer in minerals such as potassium, zinc, and iron.

Farmed salmon

Typically, the salmon we find in fishmongers is farmed salmon, and although it doesn't have the same characteristics as wild salmon, farmed salmon is a more economical and healthier alternative thanks to its omega-3 content and low mercury content.

Whether farmed or wild, salmon is a great choice for maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. You can bake or grill it with a side of vegetables. Or, if cooking is your thing, you can prepare a delicious Japanese-style teriyaki salmon !