Salmon

How to Choose the Best

Salmon is the name given to a group of fish including some species of trout. Purchase salmon with a bright pink to red color and a clean ocean smell. Avoid anything that smells fishy or that has mushy, discolored flesh. Fresh wild salmon such as coho, chinook and sockeye are seasonal and can also be found in the freezer. Fresh, farmed Atlantic salmon is readily available year-round.

Shelf Life and Storage

Store fresh salmon in your refrigerator for up to two days after purchase.

Freezing

Freeze salmon up to four months. Thaw seafood in the refrigerator overnight or in a colander under cool running water to safely defrost it.

Preparation Suggestions

Salmon is a versatile fish that can be cooked with almost any method. The fish can be baked, barbecued, roasted, sautéed, stir fried, seared, eaten raw or cured. Enjoy smoked salmon for breakfast with a bagel and cream cheese or folded into scrambled eggs with chives. Flake leftover cooked salmon and mix with celery, mayonnaise and lemon juice for a flavorful sandwich filling. Canned salmon can be used to make salmon cakes or casseroles. To avoid dry, unpalatable, overcooked salmon, cook it until just firm when pressed lightly with the back of a fork.