When at the fish market or cold counter, there seems to be an array of salmon choices- Chinook, Coho, King, Copper River, and Sock Eye. So... What what's the difference between all these varieties?
Here's a crash course in Oncorhynchus genus of the Salmonidae family, in which pacific salmon, trout, white fish, and graylings fall. The order is Salmoniformes, for all my aquaculture dorks out there.
Sock Eye: (Red) Oncorhynchus Nerka: Sockeye salmon have dark blue-black backs, silvery sides and white bellies. The average size is 6-9 pounds and are 4-5 years of age. The Sockeye's flesh is ruby red in color and is the most sought after salmon in Alaska due to it's wonderful flavor and color. The Sockeye run is second largest after the Pink Salmon Run. When Oncorhynchus Nerka is landlocked it's call Kokanee. Spawns in fall.
Chinook: (King) Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha: Chinook Salmon have a blueish-green back with silvery sides and a white belly and black spots on the back and tail and silver splashes in the tail. Chinook salmon range from 25-126 pounds and are 5-7 years of age. The flesh of the Chinook salmon is highly prized for it's rich salmon flavor and firm flesh. The natural numbers of wild King salmon is quite low compared to the other species of salmon, but is being managed to maintain the historical escapement goals and is in no way endangered in Alaska. Is both commercially harvested and is also a prize sport fish. Spawns in the fall, runs springm summer and fall.
Pink: (Humpies) Oncorhynchus Gorbuscha: Pink Salmon are bright steely-blue on their backs with silvery sides and large black spots on their backs and tail fin. The male Pink salmon develops a large hump on its back and hooked jaws before it spawns. Pink Salmon are the smallest of the Pacific salmon. The average weight is 3-5 pounds and mature at 2 years old. The flesh of the Pink salmon is a very light pink color and must be processed very quickly to retain the freshness. The Pink salmon is generally used for canning. Pinks also produces the largest havested numbers of salmon in Alaska. Spawns in fall.
Coho: (Silver) Oncorhynchus Kisutch: Coho Salmon are bright silver with small black spots on their backs and on the upper part of their caudal fin. The average weight is 6-12 pounds. The flesh of the Coho salmon is light pink and has a very delicate flavor. A very difficult salmon to keep fresh because of it's feeding habits. The flesh tends to soften very quickly unless dressed immediately after being caught. Spawns in fall.
Chum: (Dog) Oncorhynchus Keta: Chum Salmon have greenish-blue backs with silver splashes in the tail. It looks very similar to a Sockeye when ocean fresh. Chum or Keta range from 6-17 pounds and are mature at 3-6 years old. The Chum has very light colored flesh and is very mild in flavor. Spawns in fall.
Steelhead: (Rainbow Trout) Oncorhynchus mykiss: Run in both the Summer and Winter here in the Northwest. Rainbows are freshwater only, while Steelhead are anadromous (go to sea). They average between 8-11 pounds and make the anglers of this area disappear twice a year to the Clearwater, Salmon, Skagit, St. Joe Rivers and many others only to return when they got the big one. Spawns in Spring.
Salmon connoisseurs will quibble about the pros and cons of Chinook vs. Sockeye, wild vs. farmed, northern vs. southern hemisphere, and yes, there are differences, but I find that freshness and fillet quality is FAR more important.
How to get the good stuff...
Whole Fish: Take a good look at the eyes- they should be clear and bright, not sunken or cloudy. The gills should be a deep red and the skin shiny and slippery to the touch. When you pick up the fish it should feel firm, not floppy.
Salmon Fillet: Give it a poke! Press the fillet with your finger- the flesh should spring back, not leave your fingerprint in it. The flesh should have a bright orange-red hue with nice marbling and there shouldn't be any low tide-type smells.
Here in Sandpoint, check out Yokes Fresh Market or Super 1. (You can pick up our Cedar Grilling Planks at both of these locations too!) Any of the guys at the fish counter will be more than happy to help you out. They will even fillet your whole salmon if you ask nicely.
The best way to prepare this fresh salmon you pick up is unequivocally on a Outdoor Gourmet Cedar Grilling Plank. Duh!
Here's how that's done...
Welcome to your weekend! -KB
Do you you love maple syrup on waffles? That subtle sweet flavor is what you get with maple grilling planks. (5.25" x 11.75" net size)
Choose alder grilling planks in our most popular size (5.25" 11.75" net size), for entrees like planked salmon, steelhead or halibut.
When put to the heat, Red Oak smoke is full-bodied, smooth and buttery-rich. Perfect for poultry, fish, or veggies. A popular blogger claims that ribeye steaks are spectacular. Red Oak is said to be less intense than hickory and more flavorful than apple.
Who says you have to be perfect? grab a bundle of our Cedar Grilling Plank seconds and save a bundle. They are fully functional planks that just aren't as pretty as the rest... (5.25" x 11.75" net size)
Cedar wraps (also called cedar papers) are a healthy way to grill salmon, meat, veggies, and other seafood. They are great on the grill, in the oven and even in the microwave, where they add cedar steam to your snack.
These personal-sized hickory grilling planks should just be called "Burger Boards." They are the perfect size for burgers of all descriptions. Try our Bison Burger recipe! (5.25" x 8" net size)
These personal-sized alder grilling planks are the perfect for dinner parties. Try planking fish, scallops, or vegetables. (5.25" x 8" net size)
This is a little wider grilling plank than our 5.25". They give you more room to add extras alongside your favorite grilled meat. They are seconds so they have minor flaws but they are still great for grilling.
New Product! Choose alder grilling planks in our most popular size (5.25" 11.75" net size), for entrees like planked salmon, steelhead or halibut.
Try cherry grilling planks in our most popular size, next time you grill bratwurst or any other sweet sausages.(5.25" x 11.75" net size)
