Did You Know?
“Atlantic” salmon is usually farmed and “Pacific” salmon is usually wild caught.
🐟Farmed and wild salmon contain PCBs (Polychlorinated Bisphenyls), which are contaminants found in our environment and build up in fish.
🐟The level of PCBs found in both farmed and wild salmon is safe according to Health Canada. They do not pose a health risk to Canadians; however, farmed salmon may have higher levels of PCBs than wild salmon, because PCBs build up in the fat of fish, and farmed salmon has a higher fat content.
🐟You can limit your exposure to PCBs when choosing farmed salmon by removing the skin, and any visible fat before you eat the fish.
Wild Caught Salmon:
* Caught in their natural environment.
* Consume other organisms found in their environment.
* 281 calories for 198 grams (1/2 fillet).
* Packed with iodine, high in omega 3 fatty acids, vit D, potassium, zinc, and iron.
* Has a deep red colour
* Has a salmony flavor and lean texture.
* When cooking is best to cook to medium as it can overcook quickly and become dry/rubbery.
Farm Raised Salmon:
* Raised in fish farms.
* Are given a processed, high-fat, high-protein feed.
* 412 calories for 198 grams (1/2 fillet).
* Has a high amount of vitamin C, contains potassium, zinc, and iron, and has a high amount of saturated fat, polyunsaturated fatty acids and calories.
* Has a much higher fat content, has slightly more omega-3s, much more omega-6 and three times the amount of saturated fat comparing to wild salmon.
* Has a mild flavour and fatty, tender texture.
* It can be cooked medium or more well-done without drying out.
🐟Wild salmon is much more expensive than farmed salmon.
🐟Depending on your budget, it may be inconvenient or impossible to buy wild salmon.
🐟Keep in mind that both options are healthy and good ways to get more omega 3’s in your diet (which most of us are not getting enough of typically).
Note:
🐟The salmon on my plate is Chinook salmon from Nootka Island in British Columbia.
Nootka Island is an island adjacent to Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.
🐟I am fortunate to enjoy wild caught salmon from an avid fisherman.
