You Are What You Eat

You are what you eat. Our salmon are fed a certified organic & non-GMO diet- never containing any antibiotics or pesticides! The major ingredients of the organic diet are all produced in nature: fishmeal, fish oil, organic wheat, and a natural source of Astaxanthin [a-ste-zan-then] (which is the primary carotenoid that provides the red pigmentation).

Asta…what?!? Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant and carotenoid that gives salmon its pink color. It can be chemically synthesized or naturally produced by microalgae and other micro-organisms. Naturally produced astaxanthin is found in a variety of sources including microalgae, yeast, and certain types of seafood. Most farmed Atlantic salmon are fed synthetic astaxanthin because it is less expensive than natural sources. However, at Superior Fresh, we use only natural sources of astaxanthin to bring out the natural color of our fillets. While wild salmon obtain astaxanthin from their natural diet, farmed salmon must be supplemented with astaxanthin in their feed to achieve the same color.

Naturally sourcing astaxanthin from microalgae and other micro-organisms is a sustainable and eco-friendly way to produce astaxanthin, as it avoids the use of synthetic sources. Astaxanthin is not only beneficial for the color of the salmon fillets, but also enhances the flavor and nutritional content of the fish. The use of astaxanthin as a colorant in farmed salmon has been approved by regulatory agencies such as the FDA and the European Commision. It is considered safe for human consumption.

Learn more about the specific type of astaxanthin we use: Panaferd-AX.

Astaxanthin is believed to improve the texture and taste of the fish, as well as provide additional health benefits to consumers. Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant that has been shown to have numerous health benefits including reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, improving cardiovascular health, and protecting against oxidative stress. Overall, astaxanthin is a valuable natural colorant that has become an important component of the salmon farming industry. Its benefits go beyond simply enhancing the appearance of farmed salmon, as it also provides numerous health benefits to both the fish and the consumers who enjoy it!