How to Choose Good Smoked Salmon – and Avoid the Bad!

How to Choose Good Smoked Salmon – and Avoid the Bad!

Smoked salmon is very popular, especially around this time of year. Make sure you pick the right one !

Choosing the right smoked salmon can be tricky, especially with so many options out there during the holiday season. With so many choices on the shelves, how do you know you're picking the best? Here's a simple guide to help you select high quality smoked salmon and avoid any disappointments.

Smoked salmon is a holiday favorite, often served on toast as an appetizer or part of a festive meal. It's loved for its delicate flavor and easy preparation. 

But not all smoked salmon is the same. Quality can vary widely, and it can be hard to know which brand to choose. With options like farmed or wild salmon, Norwegian or Scottish, artisanal or industrial methods, and prices ranging from affordable to expensive, how can you make the best choice?

What to Look For:

  • Check the Color: The salmon should have a vibrant, consistent color and a slight sheen. Whether it's light or dark, it should look fresh and inviting. Avoid salmon with brown spots, too much fat, or dry, yellowing edges. If you spot bones or blood spots, it's best to skip it.

  • Smoking Method: Look for "smoked with wood" (like beechwood or oak) on the label for traditional, longer smoking. If it just says "smoked," it's likely treated with liquid smoke, a quicker, less flavorful process.

  • Salting Method: Dry salting is always the better choice. It preserves the salmon's natural flavor and texture. On the other hand, brine injections (where the fish is soaked in a saltwater solution) are faster but can make the fish swell and lose its delicate taste.

  • Check for Additives: Avoid smoked salmon with added sugars, preservatives, or artificial colors. Look for products with just fish, salt, and wood smoke.
  • Wild-Caught vs. Farmed: Wild caught salmon is often more sustainable, lower in fat, and higher in omega-3s, but farmed salmon is more affordable. Look for sustainability certifications on farmed options, like "Certified Sustainable Seafood."
  • Price vs. Quality: Price isn't always an indicator of quality. Focus on the smoking method, ingredients, and freshness rather than assuming the most expensive option is the best.