Get to Know Your Salmon
Salmon is known for its delicious flavor, versatility, and impressive nutritional benefits. But have you ever stopped to think about where your salmon comes from, how it's raised, or what makes one salmon different from another?
Throughout National Seafood Month, we've been sharing a closer look at the journey of salmon, from where it's raised to how it ends up on your dinner plate.
Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or just beginning to incorporate more fish into your meals, here's everything you need to know to make informed choices and enjoy delicious salmon at home.
1. Where Does Your Salmon Come From?
When you purchase salmon at the grocery store or order it at a restaurant, there's a good chance it has traveled a long way to reach your plate.
Over 90% of salmon is imported, coming from countries such as Norway, Chile, and Canada with while wild-caught salmon commonly being harvested in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.
Salmon can be wild-caught or farm-raised, and where and how it's produced can influence everything from its availability and freshness to its environmental impact.
At Superior, we're doing things differently.
Rather than raising our salmon in ocean waters thousands of miles away, we raise premium Atlantic salmon right here in the Midwest.
Our land-based farms bring salmon production closer to American consumers, helping reduce the need for long-distance transportation while providing a consistent, high-quality product.
It's a different approach to raising salmon, and one we're proud to share.
2. Ocean-Raised vs. Land-Raised Salmon: What's the Difference?
Not all farm-raised salmon are raised the same way.
Traditional ocean aquaculture typically raises salmon in net pens located in coastal waters. These systems rely on natural ocean conditions, where fish are exposed to changing temperatures, environmental conditions, and potential interactions with surrounding ecosystems.
Superior takes a different approach through recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS).
Our salmon are raised on land in a carefully managed environment where water is continuously filtered, treated, and recirculated.
This innovative technology allows us to maintain consistent water conditions while reducing direct interactions between farmed salmon and wild marine ecosystems.
Why Does This Matter?
A Controlled Environment
Our recirculating aquaculture systems allow us to carefully manage water quality, temperature, and fish health throughout the growing process.
Raised Without Antibiotics or Pesticides
By maintaining a clean, controlled environment and prioritizing fish health, we raise our salmon without the use of antibiotics or pesticides.
A More Local Option
With farms in the Midwest, Superior Fresh offers an alternative to salmon transported long distances from overseas.
Our Oceans in Mind
Land-based farming allows us to raise salmon without placing net pens directly into ocean ecosystems, helping reduce concerns associated with interactions between farmed fish and wild marine life.
At Superior, we believe the future of seafood starts with finding innovative ways to produce nutritious food while being mindful of our natural resources.
3. Superior Nutrition: The Power of Omega-3s
Salmon isn't just delicious. It's also one of the most popular sources of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
Two particularly important omega-3s found in salmon are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
These essential nutrients play important roles in supporting heart health, brain function, and overall well-being.
Not All Salmon Have the Same Omega-3 Content
The nutritional composition of salmon can vary depending on factors such as species, diet, and production methods.
Superior Fresh salmon provides approximately 2,695 mg of EPA + DHA omega-3s per 3.5-ounce serving.
That's more than twice the EPA + DHA content shown for several other farm-raised salmon sources.
In addition to omega-3s, salmon provides high-quality protein and important nutrients such as vitamin B12 and selenium.
Whether you're looking to incorporate more nutrient-rich foods into your diet or simply enjoy a delicious meal, Superior salmon makes a great addition to your plate.
National Seafood Month is about more than enjoying delicious seafood. It's also an opportunity to learn where our food comes from and make thoughtful choices about what we put on our plates.
At Superior, we're proud to be part of a new generation of aquaculture, raising nutrient-rich Atlantic salmon right here in the Midwest through innovative, land-based farming.
From our commitment to fish health and responsible production to the nutritional benefits delivered in every fillet, we're focused on raising salmon with you and our oceans in mind.
Because we believe great salmon starts with a better way to raise it.