We have all heard one thing or another about salmon. The debate around wild-caught versus farm-raised has been a topic of discussion for everyone from environmentalists to foodies. It seems that salmon is always on the tip of someone’s tongue. With all this talk, how can you know which to choose?
Top: Wild salmon is naturally a vibrant coral-red from a varied diet.
Bottom: Farm-raised salmon is colored to mimic the wild-caught fish’s gorgeous coloring.
The differences between wild and farm-raised salmon are multifaceted. Wild salmon is naturally healthier. Wild salmon contains 20% more protein with 20% less fat than their farmed counterpart. Its diet of krill, plankton and small shellfish gives it that beautiful coral color and increases the levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Farm-raised salmon tend to have lower levels of omega-3’s and are given a colorant, cantaxathin – which has been linked to retinal damage – to shade their natural grey color a more appetizing pink.
In addition to being nutritionally deficient, farm-raised salmon have higher levels of toxins and contaminants overall than wild caught. The most dangerous of these toxins, polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs for those of us without a science background, has been linked to cancer and is eight times higher in farm-raised salmon.
Wild Salmon – photo by cavemanstrong.com
Farm-raising salmon also has an impact on the ecosystem. Farmed salmon are more prone to diseases and must be given large amounts of antibiotics to keep their illness at bay. The excess waste from farm-raised salmon, much of which is toxic, harms the natural ecosystem near the farm site.
At Fitzpatrick’s, we serve only the best wild caught salmon. It is healthier, better for the environment and, perhaps most importantly, more delicious than it’s farmed counterpart. Wild-caught salmon takes part in the natural cycle of life, coming to your plate filled with natural nutrients, gorgeous color, and a squeeze of lemon.
Now that you know all about your salmon, try this amazing-looking recipe from Matt Armendariz:
Chili Rubbed Salmon with Cilantro-Avocado Salsa
For more information on wild versus farmed salmon check out these sites:
Martha Stewart – Wild vs Farmed
Section Z – The Hidden Costs of Farmed Salmon
