Salmon – All You Need to Know | Instacart’s Guide to Groceries

What is salmon?

Salmon is a saltwater fish that is also one of the most popular seafood species eaten in the United States. This tender, slightly firm red fish has oily flesh that is very high in protein. Salmon is also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. 

There are several different types of salmon, including:

• Atlantic/SalmoSalar 
• Sockeye/red
• King/Chinook
• Coho/silver
• Pink/humpback
• Chum/silverbite/keta/dog

Where are salmon found?

Most types of salmon are found in the waters near Alaska, California, and the Pacific Northwest. They’re unique from many other types of fish, in that they’re born in freshwater, mature out at sea, then swim upstream back into freshwater to reproduce. Pacific salmon are usually caught as they migrate from the ocean to their spawning grounds. 

Atlantic salmon is one exception. These fish are found in the Atlantic Ocean. Since they’re endangered, fishing for them is prohibited. For this reason, Atlantic salmon is always farm-raised. Worldwide, the largest commercial salmon farmers are located in Canada, Norway, Scotland, and Chile. 

What’s the difference between wild and farmed salmon? 

Wild salmon is caught out in its natural habitat—like in the ocean, a river, or a lake. Farmed salmon, on the other hand, is bred and raised in a process known as aquaculture. These fish are fed processed food that is high in protein and fat, leading to larger fish. 

Since they have different diets, the nutritional profile of wild salmon is different than that of its farmed counterpart. Farmed salmon typically has a higher fat content and is higher in vitamin C while wild salmon tends to contain more minerals. 

When is salmon in season? 

If you’re looking for wild-caught salmon, peak season runs from June to August. This is when most of the popular species are caught. Due to the processing time, the best time to buy wild-caught salmon begins in early summer and continues through the end of the calendar year. Each type of salmon also has a primary season, so you’re likely to find different species for sale at different times during this period. 

What should I look for when buying salmon? 

There are several important things to consider when shopping for salmon. First, you’ll want to understand the difference between fresh and frozen salmon. Fresh salmon isn’t always better, particularly when “fresh” simply means “not frozen.” After it’s caught, the condition of salmon begins to deteriorate almost immediately. Freezing it can help preserve its quality. If you live in the Pacific Northwest or Alaska, you can enjoy truly “fresh” salmon. Otherwise, frozen is a perfectly acceptable option. 

Next, you’ll want to take a closer look at the salmon itself. The flesh should look moist, and you’ll want to avoid buying any salmon filets that appear dried out or have brown spots. Fresh salmon should also be bright and vibrantly colored.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for salmon via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for salmon.

Grab it now on Instacart:

Fresh Farm Raised Atlantic Salmon Fillet (lb)

Wild Sockeye Salmon (lb)

Bristol Bay Previously Frozen Sockeye Salmon Fillets (per lb)

Fresh Wild Coho Salmon (each)

Specially Selected Cold Smoked Salmon (3 oz)

Specially Selected Cold Smoked Salmon (3 oz)

StarKist Pink Salmon, Wild Alaskan (14.75 oz)

Stew Leonard's Canned Tuna (1 each)

How to store salmon

When buying fresh (not frozen) salmon, it’s important to store it properly. If you’re not going to cook it right away, it’s best to remove it from the packaging, rinse it with cold water, and pat it dry. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and wrap the whole thing in aluminum foil. If you follow this method, you’ll be able to keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You’ll also want to place it in the coldest part of your refrigerator, which is usually the bottom drawer. 

If you need to store your salmon for longer than 2 days, you’ll want to freeze it. To do this, follow the same steps as above, taking extra care to make sure the wrapping is airtight and then placing the whole thing in a freezer bag. If you follow this process, you can keep it in the freezer for about 3 months. 

Smoked salmon can be kept in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 weeks unopened, and for up to a week after it has been opened. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. For optimal freshness, freeze it in its original packaging. Or, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before putting it in the freezer. 

How to tell if salmon is bad

A foul smell is one of the most obvious indications that salmon has gone bad. Spoiled salmon will often smell rancid, like ammonia, or have a strong “fishy” smell. If you buy a whole salmon, take a look at its eyes. If it’s fresh, the eyes will be shiny and clear. You’ll also want to look out for salmon that has a faded color, dark spots, or a “mushy” texture. 

When inspecting frozen salmon, also watch out for freezer burn. While freezer-burned salmon is safe to eat, it might have a softer texture and likely won’t taste very good. 

What can I substitute for salmon?

When making recipes such as baked salmon, you can substitute other types of fish as long as they have a similar texture. Some of the best options include:

• Amberjack/yellowtail
• Striped bass
• Tilefish
• Arctic char
• Steelhead trout 
• Mahi mahi 
• Bluefish
• Wahoo 
• Ocean/sea trout 
• Mackerel

For recipes that call for canned salmon, you can typically substitute canned tuna instead. 

Add salmon to your shopping list!

Are you ready to start experimenting with salmon? With Instacart, it’s easy to add all the items you need to your next grocery delivery order. Just head over to Intacart.com and create your shopping list. Then, let an expert shopper take care of everything for you. It’s simple, affordable, and convenient. Try it out today!

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