Chum Salmon (Silver Brite)
Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) is the meatiest of the wild Salmon. Chum Salmon is the most wide-ranging of the Pacific Salmon species, as well as the most abundant commercially harvested Salmon species in parts of Alaska.
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.
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Species NameOncorhynchus keta |
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SourceChum Salmon is found in the eastern North Pacific Ocean from California to Alaska. In the western Pacific, Chum ranges from the Bering Sea to Japan and Korea. |
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SeasonalityFresh Chum Salmon is available July through October. |
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Fishing MethodChum Salmon is a wild capture fishery and is popular among both sport and commercial fishermen. Most Chum Salmon are harvested in net fisheries. Purse seine fisheries take the largest volume, but Chum Salmon are also an important species for gillnet fisheries. Small amounts of Chum are also captured with troll gear. |
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FlavorThe low oil content in Chum Salmon lends a delicate, mild flavor. |
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Dietary InformationChum Salmon is a very good source of Protein, Vitamin B12 and Selenium. |
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FormFresh and frozen is available; Headless dressed, fillets, portions and steaks. |
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| Uses | |
PreparationThe low oil content in Chum Salmon does not lend well to high-heat cooking methods such as broiling or baking. Chum Salmon is often marinated before grilling. |
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SubstitutionIf Chum Salmon is unavailable, any other Pacific Salmon species can be used as a substitute. |
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HandlingFresh Chum 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 Chum Salmon fillet. Filleted product should be stored in a sealed plastic container and surrounded with ice. |
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ServingAs noted above, Chum Salmon lends well to grilling with marinade. Pan searing or poaching Chum with a flavorful sauce is a popular cooking method as well. |
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Sizes and CutsChum Salmon varies in weight between four and 30 pounds, but generally range between seven to 15 pounds. |
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Pricing ScaleFresh Chum Salmon prices have remained relatively steady over the last few years. Due to market and currency fluctuations, please contact your Seattle Fish Company of New Mexico associate for up-to-date market information, availability and current pricing information. |
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Shelf LifeFresh whole Chum 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. Frozen can be commercially stored for up to one year. |
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