WHAT IS THE REAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WILD AND FARMED SALMON?
Let’s say you are at the fishmonger and you see two types of salmon that look relatively the same but one is called Wild Salmon with a much higher price tag than the other; Farmed Salmon. What is the reason for the price difference?
Typically, Farmed Salmon is raised in specially-designed aquatic farms where they are fed with a high fat combination of fish oil and grains to fatten them up. They are also fed additives to give them a nice pinkish color otherwise they would de a dullish grey because of the food they are fed. Wild salmon on the other hand obtains its pink color naturally from feasting on a diet of Krill in their natural environment where they are grown.
There has been a lot of controversy about the treatment and additives fed to farmed salmon however wild salmon has also come under fire for some of their destructive fishing methods. Additionally with Wild Salmon, there is simply not enough wild fish to supply the demand for it, so in reality if we want to carry on eating fish, we will have to take the pressure of Wild species by developing sustainable legitimate farming practices.
These practices in the past few years have significantly improved and measures are being taken to ensure farming is being done in a more sustainable and ecological way. Small Artisanal fish farmers have actually been practicing responsible farming for centuries. The problems came with the farms who are producing on a large scale for commercial export. Like farms who are working to bring grass-fed beef and pastured chicken to the market, there are fisheries doing the same thing.
Price Difference: In a good quality Fishmonger, Farmed Salmon will be around £20 a Kilo where as Wild Salmon can be up to £35 a kilo.
Which to buy: Between May and July is when Wild Salmon is in season and then you should absolutely adjust your budget to get Fresh Wild Salmon whilst it still exists. For the rest of the year though, we recommend that instead of going by ‘wild-caught’ or ‘farm-raised’, rather shop by sustainability. By this we mean buying Salmon from sources, either fished or farmed, that can exist over a long time without compromising the species’ survival or the health of the ecosystem. The best way to make sure your salmon is eco-friendly is to go to a fish seller who does the homework for you. It really helps to shop at a place that cares enough to make the right choices for you.
Check out our favorite Recipe for Wild Salmon :
Fresh Salmon Tartar with Crème Fraiche, Spring Onion and Fresh Dill
Ingredients:
· 100gr of wild salmon filet finely chopped into small cubes
· 1 spring onion, finely chopped
· 1 handful of fresh dill, finely chopped
· 1 tablespoon of crème fraiche
· 1 splash of lemon juice
· Salt and pepper for seasoning
Method:
1. Combine all ingredients into a bowl and mix together
2. Serve on a dish with grilled bread and fresh dill