| Market Names |
King Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Kings. |
| Where Caught |
Pacific Ocean from California north to Canada and Alaska. |
| How Caught |
Troll, Gill net |
King Salmon (Chinook)
King Salmon (also known as Chinook Salmon) are the largest and top-of-the-line among the wild Salmon species. They are also the least abundant.
Unlike other wild Salmon, which spend anywhere from one to three years at sea, Kings can stay out as long as five years before returning to their native streams to spawn. King Salmon are often known and marketed by the name of the river system from which they come. The Copper River, which produces excellent King Salmons, is a great example, arguably producing some of the finest King Salmon available.
Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood WATCH® states "Wild-caught salmon from Alaska is considered a 'Best Choice'" and rates wild-caught Salmon from Washington, Oregon and California as a "Good Alternative." Wild-caught Salmon from Alaska is certified as sustainable to the standards of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The "Net Benefits" of MSC certified Salmon are many.
| Sources | |
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Species NameOncorhynchus tshawytscha |
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SourceKing Salmon are found in the Pacific Ocean from central California to Alaska. |
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SeasonalityKings are available year round, but are most abundant in Alaska between May and August. |
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Fishing MethodWild capture King Salmon is harvested by trolling and gill nets. |
| Features | |
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FlavorPronounced buttery, rich taste, due to its high content of unsaturated fat and Omega-3 fatty acids. |
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Dietary InformationPacific King Salmon is low in sodium and is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and a very good source of protein, niacin, vitamin B12, and selenium. The American Heart Association now recommends eating fish (especially those high in Omega-3) twice per week. |
| Uses | |
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HandlingFresh King Salmon should be refrigerated at 30-34 degrees F. Whole fish should be surrounded with fresh ice in a perforated pan which allows any water to drain away from the product for maximum shelf life. Never directly ice a King Salmon fillet. Filleted product should be stored in a sealed plastic container and surrounded with ice. |
| Market | |
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Sizes and CutsKing Salmon ranges from 12 to 40 pounds, the average size being 20 pounds. They grow to as large as 30 to 40 inches in length and can reach 60 pounds. |
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Pricing ScaleFresh King Salmon prices have increased steadily over the last few years due to a dwindling supply and command the highest of all Salmon prices. |
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Shelf LifeFresh whole King Salmon which has been handled and stored properly should retain optimum quality for 4-5 days. Once the fish is filleted, product should be used within 2-3 days. |