Is Egg Harbor Salmon Really Wild-Caught? Let’s Find Out

Salmon is one of the most popular fish eaten across America Its rich flavor and nutritional benefits make it a staple on many dinner tables When shopping for salmon, you may have seen brands like Egg Harbor that market their salmon as “wild-caught.” But what exactly does this mean, and is Egg Harbor salmon actually wild-caught?

In this article we’ll examine what constitutes wild-caught salmon the benefits it provides, and investigate whether Egg Harbor salmon fits the bill. There’s a lot of confusing marketing language when it comes to seafood, so let’s break it down into simple terms.

What is Wild-Caught Salmon?

Wild-caught salmon is salmon that is caught in the ocean or a river where it lives naturally. On the other hand, farmed salmon are raised in closed aquaculture facilities.

True wild-caught salmon spend their lives swimming freely and eating a natural diet. Popular wild-caught salmon species include king, sockeye, coho, pink, and chum salmon. Wild salmon are fished using various methods, most commonly gillnets, purse seines, trolls, or fishwheels.

The wild-caught moniker is regulated in the US. For salmon to legally be labeled “wild-caught”, it has to be harvested in accordance with state and federal regulations in approved wilderness areas. This helps prevent fish fraud and false marketing claims.

Why Choose Wild-Caught Salmon?

But why should you bother and spend more to eat wild-caught salmon instead of farmed salmon? Here are some main reasons:

Superior nutrition

Studies show that wild salmon contains higher levels of important omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA compared to farmed. Omega-3s are linked to improved heart and brain health.

Wild salmon get these healthy fats from eating other fatty fish and marine organisms that farmed salmon don’t have access to.

Better flavor

Aficionados argue that wild-caught salmon simply tastes better. The diverse diet and swimming leads to salmon with deeper color and more complex, robust flavor.

The confined conditions of farms produce more bland fish. Wild salmon develop a firmer texture and richer taste.

Environmentally sustainable

Wild-caught salmon fishing helps preserve the natural balance of wilderness ecosystems when done responsibly. Farms carry ecological risks like pollution, disease transmission to wild fish, and genetic disruption from escaped fish.

So for flavor and sustainability, wild-caught salmon is a smart choice. Next, let’s see how Egg Harbor stacks up.

Is Egg Harbor Salmon Wild-Caught?

According to all indications, Egg Harbor salmon is indeed wild Pacific salmon. Here are the facts that support this:

• Egg Harbor’s website and packaging states their salmon is wild-caught in Alaska. False advertising would open them up to legal issues.

• Their salmon species – sockeye and coho – only exist in the wild. You can’t farm these salmon species.

• Reviews praise the rich taste and bright orange color that comes from wild salmon.

• Egg Harbor salmon is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, meaning it meets standards for sustainable and ethical wild-caught fishing.

• The company has a longstanding partnership with reputable Alaskan fishermen. This makes wild sourcing more trustworthy.

So while farmed salmon does exist, Egg Harbor seems to live up to its wild-caught claims. Their salmon migrate from Alaskan rivers out to the Pacific ocean where they are caught and delivered fresh.

How Wild Salmon is Caught Sustainably

You might worry that calling salmon “wild-caught” means damaging ocean ecosystems. But Egg Harbor and ethical fishermen use responsible methods to ensure sustainability.

The main gear used for catching wild salmon include:

• Gillnets – Floating nets that snag fish by their gills when they swim into the webbing. Nets have a timed release to free unwanted catches.

• Purse seines – Nets circled around schools of salmon then closed like a drawstring purse at the bottom. Allows targeting of whole schools to avoid bycatch.

• Trolling – Fishing rods with bait hooks towed behind slowly moving boats. Selectively targets salmon and releases other species.

• Fishwheels – Water wheels with baskets that scoop up swimming salmon. Considered a low-impact, high-efficiency method.

Strict limits are placed on the number of salmon that can be harvested by location and season. Egg Harbor salmon is traceable back to sustainably managed fisheries. Choosing wild-caught supports healthy wild salmon populations.

Why Wild-Caught Salmon Costs More

With all these upsides, why doesn’t everyone buy wild-caught salmon? The biggest factor is cost – wild-caught salmon can cost over 2 times more than farmed. There are good reasons for this:

• Limited supply – Only about 25% of salmon on the market is wild-caught due to low harvests. Limited availability drives prices up.

• Higher effort – It takes more time, labor, and fuel to chase wild fish across the ocean versus farming in one place. These costs add up.

• Regulated fishing – Limits on fishing protect the salmon but reduce the catch quantities available for sale.

• Shipping – Most wild salmon is caught in Alaska then shipped overnight to stores, adding logistics expenses.

So while the price is higher, you’re paying for sustainability and premium quality that you can both taste and feel good about.

How to Cook Wild-Caught Salmon

Preparing wild-caught salmon is easy and rewards you with amazing flavor. Try these simple cooking methods:

• Baked salmon – The most popular preparation. Bake at 400F for 10-15 minutes depending on thickness.

• Grilled salmon – Gets great sear and smoky flavor. Works well for firmer king salmon.

• Pan-seared salmon – Fast weeknight meal. Use medium-high heat with skin-down first.

• Broiled salmon – Similar to baking but with direct top heat. Keeps it extra moist.

• Poached salmon – Very gentle cooking in simmering liquid. Great for delicate textures.

Wild salmon pairs well with savory flavors like garlic, shallots, lemon, and fresh herbs. Aim for medium doneness to keep it moist and flaky.

Top Salmon Recipes to Try

Here are a few tasty ways to prepare wild-caught salmon like Egg Harbor’s fish:

• Maple roasted salmon – Coat salmon with maple syrup, mustard, and pecans then roast. The sweet and savory combo is amazing.

• Miso glazed salmon – Marinade salmon in a mixture of miso, mirin, sake and ginger then pan-fry. An easy weeknight meal.

• Cedar plank salmon – Grill salmon on a soaked cedar plank for incredible smoky flavor.

• Salmon burgers – Make patties using cooked salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, and herbs. Simple and satisfying.

• Salmon poke bowl – Mix raw salmon cubes with rice, seaweed, cucumber, edamame, and avocado. Fresh and healthy.

With wild-caught salmon’s versatility, the recipe options are endless. It can be the star of any meal.

Is Egg Harbor Wild Salmon Right for You?

When it comes to salmon, we vote for wild over farmed. Choosing wild-caught rewards you with better nutrition, sustainability, and flavor – a winning combination.

Brands like Egg Harbor offer access to premium wild salmon at reasonable costs. While pricier than farmed salmon, Egg Harbor’s wild Alaskan salmon provides quality you can taste in every bite.

If you value flavor, health, and protecting wild salmon populations, then Egg Harbor wild-caught salmon is a great option for your family. Their salmon livened up everything from weeknight dinners to dinner parties.

So next time you’re shopping for seafood, consider spending a few extra bucks for the many benefits of wild-caught salmon. Just be sure to look for reputable sources like Egg Harbor that clearly state wild origins on their labeling and marketing. With some simple recipes, you can enjoy sensational wild salmon easily at home.