Everything You Need to Know About Salmon: Types, Nutrition, and Pricing

Content posted at 17:53 on 05/10/202337

Salmon is a diverse and nutritious fish that provides a wealth of nutrients to the body. Let’s explore how to select, handle, and prepare salmon, as well as find out how much salmon costs, and the different types available through this KINGFISH article.

I. What Is Salmon?

1. Identifying Salmon

Salmon typically comes in large sizes and can thrive in both saltwater and freshwater environments. On average, they weigh between 10 to 70 kilograms and measure about 50 to 150 centimeters in length. Their bodies are elongated and round in the upper part, with shiny skin and small spots.
During their juvenile stage, salmon primarily feed on larvae, insects, and other small aquatic microorganisms to grow. When they mature, they transition to consuming snails, clams, aquatic insects, and even smaller fish.

2. Nutritional Value of Salmon

A portion of salmon provides around 200 calories, low saturated fat, and high-quality protein. Salmon is also a rich source of essential nutrients like vitamin B12, potassium, iron, and vitamin D.
Vitamin B12 in salmon plays a crucial role in maintaining blood and nerve cell functions, as well as supporting DNA synthesis. Omega-3 fatty acids, often referred to as “essential fatty acids,” are another vital component of salmon. They help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and alleviate low-grade inflammation.

Experts recommend that adults consume seafood, including salmon, at least twice a week, especially varieties rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Pregnant women and young children should avoid fish with high mercury content but can include salmon in their diets.

While the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are undeniable, it’s important to note that consuming large amounts of omega-3s from supplements can interact with blood-thinning medications and lead to bleeding issues. Furthermore, there is ongoing debate about the quality and benefits of wild-caught versus farmed salmon. Some argue that wild-caught salmon contains fewer chemicals and antibiotics than farmed salmon, while others believe that choosing responsibly farmed salmon is a smart decision due to legal compliance and adherence to growth and harvesting regulations.

II. Common Types of Salmon

The Salmonidae family comprises various salmon species, each with distinct characteristics and flavors. Here are some common types:

1. Chinook Salmon (King Salmon):

– These salmon have high fat content, resulting in a rich and flavorful taste, with flesh ranging from white to red.
– King Salmon is primarily found in the Pacific Ocean, along the coastlines of the Pacific Northwest.

2. Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon):

– Coho salmon have silver, shiny skin with dark green backs and vibrant red flesh.
– They are often found in regions like Alaska, British Columbia, and the central Monterey Bay.

3. Pink Salmon (Humpback Salmon):

– Pink salmon are the smallest and most common salmon species.
– They have light-colored meat with less fat but strong flavor.
– Pink salmon are typically found in regions such as northern California, Korea, and northern parts of the Pacific.

4. Sockeye Salmon (Red Salmon):

– Sockeye salmon have distinctive bright orange-red flesh with a robust flavor.
– They are commonly found in lake regions and have a distribution range from California to Japan.

5. Atlantic Salmon:

– Atlantic salmon often inhabit rivers on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.
– Many Atlantic salmon are farm-raised and contain more omega-3s compared to their wild counterparts.

6. Chum Salmon (Dog Salmon):

– Chum salmon have distinctive canine-like teeth, smaller size, and lower fat content.
– They have a wide distribution, ranging from California to Siberia.

These salmon species are harvested and processed into various products such as fresh salmon, canned salmon, frozen salmon, and smoked salmon to meet market demands and provide a source of nutrition for people.

III. How Much Does Salmon Cost per Kilogram?

The price of salmon varies depending on factors such as type and presentation. Here is an approximate price range for different forms of salmon per kilogram:

For fresh or frozen salmon (per kilogram):

– Whole salmon: 250,000 VND – 280,000 VND
– Salmon fillet (skin-on): 320,000 VND – 350,000 VND
– Frozen whole salmon: 240,000 VND/kg
– Frozen salmon fillet: 290,000 VND – 310,000 VND

For Norwegian salmon (per kilogram):

– Whole salmon: 320,000 VND – 350,000 VND
– Salmon fillet: 450,000 VND – 600,000 VND
– Frozen whole salmon: 330,000 VND/kg
– Frozen salmon fillet: 400,000 VND – 450,000 VND

These prices may vary based on location, quality, and market conditions. It’s important to check with local suppliers for the most accurate pricing.

IV. How to Prepare Salmon

Here’s how to properly prepare whole salmon:

1. Use a sharp knife to open the salmon’s belly and remove all the gut contents.
2. Use a sharp knife to cut from the head down to the tail along the spine, ensuring the fish is fully filleted and minimizing waste.
3. Scrape off the scales from the fish’s skin. Place the fish on a clean, dry surface to prevent it from slipping and to provide workspace.
4. Cut the fish into desired portions, either large or small, depending on your intended dish.

V. Delicious Salmon Recipes

1. Salmon Salad:

Ingredients:

– 300g salmon fillet
– 100g baby tomatoes
– 100g sugar snap peas (cut and cleaned)
– 1 boiled egg
– 50ml fresh orange juice
– 30ml vinegar
– 1 steamed potato (cut into small pieces)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Lettuce, fresh herbs, red onions, and pomegranate seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Clean and slice the salmon fillet into small pieces.
2. Steam the salmon in a hot pan with olive oil to sear the outside while retaining the flavor.
3. Dice the baby tomatoes, sugar snap peas, potato, boiled egg, and fresh herbs. Place them in a bowl.
4. In the bowl, add vinegar, fresh orange juice, and various herbs.
5. Mix all the ingredients in the bowl to create the salad mixture.
6. Place the salmon on top of the salad mixture.
7. Garnish the salad with fresh herbs and pomegranate seeds to add color and flavor.

2. Garlic Butter Salmon:

Ingredients:

– 500g salmon fillet
– 100g butter
– Juice from 1 lemon
– Salt, pepper, white wine, garlic, and salt
– Cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Clean the salmon fillet and let it drain.
2. Season the salmon with a mixture of salt, pepper, lemon juice, and a little white wine. Allow it to marinate for 10-15 minutes to enhance the flavor.
3. In a pan, heat a small amount of cooking oil. Sear the salmon fillet on both sides until they are golden brown and crispy.
4. Once cooked to a beautiful golden color, transfer the salmon to a plate.
5. For the garlic butter sauce: Crush garlic and add it to a pot with the butter. Heat until the butter melts and infuses with garlic flavor. Add lemon juice for a slightly tangy taste.
6. Finally, pour the garlic butter sauce over the seared salmon to create a flavorful and visually appealing dish.
7. Enjoy the garlic butter salmon while it’s still hot for the best taste and freshness.

3. Salmon Tempura:

Ingredients:

– 300g salmon fillet

– 1 egg
– 100ml unsweetened milk
– Tempura flour
– Bread crumbs
– All-purpose flour
– Cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Clean the salmon fillet and pat it dry.
2. Beat an egg in a bowl and mix it with 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of tempura flour, and 100ml of unsweetened milk to create a smooth batter.
3. Dip each piece of salmon into the batter, ensuring it’s coated evenly.
4. Coat the battered salmon with bread crumbs.
5. In a pan, heat enough cooking oil for deep frying.
6. Fry the salmon pieces until they turn golden brown and crispy.
7. Once cooked, place the salmon tempura on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
8. Serve the salmon tempura hot and enjoy its crunchy exterior and tender interior.

VI. How to Properly Store Salmon for Extended Freshness

Here are some tips for storing salmon properly to extend its shelf life:

1. Use on the Same Day: If you plan to use the salmon on the same day, you can either keep it on ice for whole salmon or store it in the refrigerator for fillets. However, these methods are suitable for short-term storage, typically within 24 hours.

2. Freezing: If you want to store salmon for an extended period, freezing is the best option. Freezing can help preserve salmon for up to 2-3 months. Here’s how to freeze salmon safely and effectively:
– Prep the Salmon: Before freezing, make sure the salmon is clean. Rinse it with a mild saltwater solution or let it sit in naturally occurring cold temperatures to remove bacteria.
– Add Salt: Sprinkle a small amount of salt over the surface of the salmon. This helps deter bacteria and preserves the nutrients in the fish.
– Packaging: Place the salmon in a freezer bag or vacuum-sealed bag designed for food storage. Ensure it’s sealed tightly to prevent contact with air and bacteria.
– Freezing: Put the bagged salmon in the freezer, making sure the freezing process is uninterrupted. This will ensure the quality and safety of the food.

VII. Conclusion

KINGFISH hopes that the information about salmon has expanded your knowledge about this nutritious fish and provided you with new culinary ideas to enjoy with your family and loved ones.