The Truth About Norwegian Farm-Raised Salmon
Cooking Tips, Lifestyle, Nutrition / / 0 COMMENTS

Separate facts and fiction about farm-raised salmon and learn how the Norwegian aquaculture industry sets the standard for high-quality, safe, and sustainably farmed salmon.

This post is sponsored by the Norwegian Seafood Council. Thank you for supporting brands that make this blog possible!

I had an incredible opportunity last year to travel to Norway to learn first hand about seafood from Norway. As a dietitian and a chef, I am invested in learning about where our food comes from and the sustainability practices behind them to create a thriving future for the next generation.

Sustainability has been one of the main objectives of the Norwegian fishing industry, committed producing seafood in a safe, controlled, and sustainable manner with strict regulations.

Get the facts about farm-raised salmon from Norway

  • Farm-raised salmon from Norway is raised in its natural habitat and not a cramped pool of fish swimming on top of each other. The ratio of the pens in the fjord is 97.5% water to 2.5% salmon.
  • Farm-raised salmon from Norway is able to have much more control to prevent disease and mortality.
  • Seafood from Norway is all about sustainability. Since fishing had been part of their heritage for more than 2,000 years, taking care of the sea for the next generation is part of their culture.
  • Seafood from Norway is shipped fresh or frozen! (really, however, the customer wants it!)

Why origin matters

There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to seafood – both wild and farmed. Salmon is really one of the most popular species in the US and there are a number of species available with different characteristics.

The origin of the seafood, as every country has completely different practices.

How to identify seafood from Norway

According to the USDA, Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) is a consumer labeling law that requires retailers (grocery stores and supermarkets) to identify the country of origin on certain foods, including wild-caught fish, farm-raised fish, and shellfish.

It will clearly be listed that the seafood is from Norway or you can look for the Seafood From Norway seal.

Our group in Norway with safety gear to check out the Fjords.

Why eat more fish

Seafood helps build healthy hearts. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, lowering the risk of heart disease.

Storing fresh salmon

Fresh salmon can last up to two days if stored close to 32 degrees, rather than up to one day at the typical home refrigerator temperature of 40 degrees. Place the fish in a zipper-lock bag on ice in a bowl (or cover it with ice packs) and place it at the back of the fridge, where it’s coldest.

How to freeze salmon

If you want to freeze raw salmon, pat it dry, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, place it in an airtight container and freeze it. Make sure to label it with the date and use it within three months.

Cooking Tips

Skin side up or skin side down?

First of all—skin is tasty! So when you’re cooking salmon, keep that skin on. It provides a safety layer between your fish’s flesh and a hot pan or grill. Start with the skin-side down, and let it crisp up. It’s much easier to slide a fish spatula under the salmon’s skin than under its delicate flesh.

Best ways to cook salmon

  • Pan-fry
  • Roast
  • Broil
  • Skillet to the oven (just make sure your pan is oven-safe!)
  • Grill
  • Poached
  • In parchment (also known as en pappillote, French for “wrapped up in parchment.”)

For more information about Seafood From Norway visit: seafoodfromnorway.us

Have additional questions? Comment below!