Even for the most experienced fish lovers, choosing seafood at the grocery store can be overwhelming. From frozen fillets to live lobsters, the seafood aisle is a world of its own. The answer to the question “What is Scottish salmon?” is to go out to sea outside of Scotland.
It is a high-quality type of farmed Atlantic salmon that is raised in the cold, clear waters off the coast of Scotland in a way that doesn’t harm the fish. Its unique characteristics and production methods set it apart from other salmon varieties. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about this popular fish.
An Overview of Scottish Salmon
Scottish salmon refers specifically to Atlantic salmon farmed in the waters surrounding Scotland It gets its name from its geographic origin along Scotland’s rugged northern coastline and islands
The salmon feed on a natural diet and grow strong in the cold seas of the North Atlantic. Scotland’s aquaculture industry has developed high standards for raising salmon in an ethical and eco-friendly manner.
About 70% of the salmon sold worldwide is farm-raised, and Scottish salmon is no exception. However, its production methods aim to be sustainable and minimize the environmental impact
What Makes Scottish Salmon Unique?
Real Scottish salmon is different from other types of salmon in a few important ways:
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Vibrant orange color – Scottish salmon gets its distinctive bright orange hue from eating krill and shellfish that contain natural astaxanthin This antioxidant is responsible for the fish’s vibrant pigment.
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High fat content – The cold, fast-moving waters around Scotland help produce salmon with a higher fat content and rich buttery texture than other varieties. The increased fat results in more omega-3s.
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Mild flavor – Because of its high fat content, Scottish salmon tends to have a more delicate, subtly sweet flavor than strongly flavored wild Pacific salmon.
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Sustainability – Scotland’s salmon producers adhere to strict regulations to meet consumer demand for sustainably farmed seafood. Many utilize eco-friendly practices.
Salmon that live in cold water, work out by fighting currents, and eat a natural diet are healthy and full of nutrients. Their qualities make Scottish salmon a popular choice at seafood counters and restaurants.
How Scottish Salmon is Produced
The vast majority of Scottish salmon comes from aquaculture facilities rather than commercial fishing. Salmon farming in Scotland is a carefully regulated industry. Here is a quick overview of how Scottish salmon makes it from sea cages to your plate:
- Eggs are hatched and juveniles raised in freshwater hatcheries on land.
- Young salmon live in freshwater tanks for 12-18 months until they transition to saltwater.
- Smolts are transferred to open ocean net pens and pens in coastal lochs to continue growing.
- Salmon are harvested for processing after about 2-3 years when they reach 4-6 kg.
- Fish are processed in Scotland at facilities regulated for food safety and quality standards.
- Full traceability allows consumers to know the origins of their salmon fillet or steak.
Reputable Scottish salmon producers like Bakkafrost go beyond basic regulations. They incorporate ethical practices for every stage of production: freshwater rearing, time at sea, transport, harvest, and processing.
Why Scottish Salmon is Considered Sustainable
Farmed Scottish salmon has a relatively low environmental impact compared to other animal proteins. However, not all salmon aquaculture is created equal.
Scotland’s salmon farming industry has made improvements in sustainability over the last few decades. Here are some of the reasons Scottish salmon is considered a sustainable seafood choice:
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Strict regulations – The UK and Scotland have stringent laws and standards for aquaculture. Farming practices are monitored for quality, safety, and environmental impact.
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Efficient protein production – Farmed salmon convert feed into edible protein more efficiently than chicken, pork, or beef farming. Less feed is required per gram of protein.
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Natural diet – Scottish salmon are fed high-quality feeds made from ingredients like fish meals and oils. Artificial colors or GMOs are not used.
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Short supply chains – Many producers control the full process from eggs to harvest. This minimizes transportation miles and infrastructure needs.
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Third-party audits – Certifications like the ASC endorsement require producers to meet strict criteria for sustainability.
Scottish salmon farming has made great strides in addressing environmental issues like sea lice, fish health, feed sources, and more.
Nutritional Benefits of Scottish Salmon
Beyond its velvety texture and mild taste, Scottish salmon also shines as a nutritious protein source.
Here are some of the top nutrients this oily fish delivers:
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Omega-3 fatty acids – Scottish salmon is rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3s like DHA and EPA. These promote heart and brain health.
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High-quality protein – With about 20 grams of protein per 3.5-ounce serving, salmon helps build and repair muscle.
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B-vitamins – Scottish salmon provides B12, niacin, biotin, and pantothenic acid. These aid in energy production.
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Potassium – This mineral supports nerve signaling and heart function. Salmon provides about 10% of the RDI per serving.
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Selenium – Scottish salmon is an excellent source of selenium, an essential trace element with antioxidant powers.
The beneficial omega-3 fats make salmon a heart-healthy form of protein recommended by health organizations like the AHA. The abundance of essential vitamins and minerals adds to its impressive nutrition stats.
Simple Recipes for Cooking Scottish Salmon
From elegant composed dishes to easy weeknight meals, Scottish salmon adapts well to all kinds of recipes. Try these delicious preparation methods:
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Baked salmon – Top fillets with savory herbs, citrus, or teriyaki glaze and bake until flaky.
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Grilled salmon – Get nice grill marks and enhanced smoky flavor on salmon steaks or kebabs during summer.
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Salmon burgers – Transform minced salmon into tasty patties for sandwiches and salads.
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Smoked salmon – Cure raw salmon at home or purchase ready-to-eat smoked salmon from your grocer’s seafood counter.
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Canned salmon – Drain and flake canned salmon for salads, pasta, or sandwiches on a busy day.
With its versatility, Scottish salmon can be enjoyed multiple times per week as recommended by health authorities.
Scottish Salmon vs. Atlantic Salmon
Confused about the difference between Scottish salmon and Atlantic salmon? Let’s break it down:
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Atlantic salmon refers to the species, while Scottish salmon denotes its origin. All Scottish salmon are Atlantic salmon.
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Atlantic salmon live in the wild across the North Atlantic. Scottish salmon are farmed in the coastal waters of Scotland.
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Wild Atlantic salmon are silver-grey on the outside with pink flesh. Farmed Scottish salmon get their trademark orange coloration from carotenoids in feed.
With its bright orange color, velvety texture, and mild taste, Scottish salmon has become a popular sustainable seafood option. Responsible farming practices help make it an eco-friendly protein source. Rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fats and essential nutrients, Scottish salmon delivers great flavor and nutrition. Try it baked, grilled, smoked, or canned for quick, delicious meals any night of the week.
Nutritional Benefits of Salmon
We’ve talked about what Scottish salmon is and where it comes from. Now let’s talk about how healthy it is. Fish is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which decreases inflammation and promotes brain health.
Because it’s high in unsaturated fats, salmon is also a heart-healthy choice. If you want to build muscle, look no further than this protein-packed option. Scottish salmon is also high in essential vitamins and minerals such as:
- It helps your bones grow and keeps your immune system strong.
- Vitamin B3 – converts food into energy
- Vitamin B12 – protects nerve cells
- Vitamin D helps keep bones strong and is also important for the immune, nerve, and muscle systems.
- Potassium – lowers blood pressure
- Selenium – an antioxidant that helps regulate thyroid hormone activity
- Zinc helps wounds heal, cells grow, and the immune system work well.
- Iron – needed for chemical reactions in the body
Now let’s add salmon to your diet! To keep your heart healthy, the American Heart Association says to eat fish twice a week. Not sure where to start? Here are some ways to cook Scottish salmon for your next meal.
Servings: 8 | Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 1 hour | Brine time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 2 to 4 lb fillet of Scottish salmon (skin on, pin bones taken out)
- 2 cups of smoking chips or pellets
Steps:
- Brown sugar and salt should be mixed in a small bowl to make a dry brine.
- To cook the salmon, put the skin-side down on a wire rack set on top of a baking sheet. Sprinkle your brown sugar and salt mixture over the fillet.
- Put in the fridge for one to two hours before smoking (or soak in brine overnight).
- Put smoking chips or pellets and a water bath drip pan in your smoker so that you can cook over indirect heat. Preheat it to 225° F.
- After taking the salmon out of the fridge, dry it off.
- Set the salmon on a piece of foil with the skin side down. Then move it to the smoker.
- Use a probe thermometer to see if it’s done after 30 minutes. The salmon is done when the internal temperature reaches 140° F.
- Take it off the grill and let it rest for five minutes before serving.
What is Scottish Salmon?
Scottish salmon is a type of Atlantic salmon from the waters around Scotland. It’s known for its vibrant orange color, mild flavor, and buttery texture. In addition, the cold, fast-moving waters produce strong fish that are high in fat content.
Another unique characteristic of Scottish salmon is their production. 70% of salmon sold worldwide is farm-raised, and Scottish salmon is no different. However, many producers adhere to strict sustainability standards and prioritize environmentally friendly practices.
What You Don’t Know About Scottish Salmon
FAQ
What’s the difference between salmon and Scottish salmon?
Is Scottish salmon good quality?
Why is Scottish salmon famous?
What is Scottish style salmon?
What is the common name of Scottish salmon?
The common name of the Scottish salmon is ‘farmed Atlantic salmon’, indicating the relationship between the two. Both types of salmon belong to the family ‘Salmonidae’. The Atlantic salmon and Scottish salmon are very similar in size and weight.
What are the benefits of smoked salmon over raw salmon?
It actually has the same characteristics as raw salmon, being relatively low in calories, it is an excellent source of protein, good fat and several vitamins and minerals. The smoking process just adds an aroma.
Where does Scottish salmon come from?
Scottish salmon is farmed in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Scotland. They are strong fish with high-fat content and a mild flavor. The Scottish wild salmon is the variety that lives in the open sea. This differs slightly as it is silver on the outside and has deep pink, firm flesh. Like all salmon, the Scottish wild salmon breeds in rivers.
What makes Scottish salmon unique?
It’s known for its vibrant orange color, mild flavor, and buttery texture. In addition, the cold, fast-moving waters produce strong fish that are high in fat content. Another unique characteristic of Scottish salmon is their production. 70% of salmon sold worldwide is farm-raised, and Scottish salmon is no different.