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Is it farming or wild? Which salmon to choose?
Table of Contents
1. Wild salmon and farmed salmon are different
In such conditions, it is fed with ready-to-eat fodder and is health-controlled, making it available all year round. Wild salmon live and grow in its natural environment in the oceans, seas and rivers, and are caught during periods of migration to the plains. Wild species include, among others, royal salmon, kidney salmon, ketchup salmon and rose salmon (MOI 2023). Farmed salmon come from aquaculture, i.e. farms where fish are artificially bred in sealed tanks. The most commonly farmed species are Atlantic salmon.2. The nutritional values
This diet also makes farmed salmon provide more omega-3 fatty acids, but most of them are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is not as biologically active as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA). Wild salmon, which naturally feeds on plankton, small fish, and shrimp, definitely has chilly meats containing fewer calories and fat, which makes it a good choice for those who care about their skin. Its meat is also rich in vitamin D, which in particular promotes the immune system and the health of the bone marrow, as well as vitamin B12, which is essential for the functioning of the nervous system, including omega-3s and carcinogens.3. Whether farming salmon is a bad choice
Although there are concerns about pollutants such as dioxins and PCBs, for people who occasionally eat fish, choosing between wild and farmed salmon does not matter much. As for the recommended frequency of consumption, opinions are divided. Ultimately, both wild and farm salmon provide valuable nutrients, and the key is the moderation and selection of fish from certified, responsible breeders (EPA 2020). According to the Marine Fish Institute, including salmon in the diet up to 23 times a week is recommended by the Norwegian Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to provide healthy omega-3 fatty acids that can promote healthy heart and nervous systems.4. How to choose the right product
It is also worthwhile to look for certificates such as MSCs that guarantee a responsible source. First of all, it is worth reading the labels that provide key product information in accordance with EU legislation. Important information is also the method of production, e.g. there is also information on the catch area, for example. This information makes it easier to assess whether the fish comes from farms or from wild fisheries, which will allow for a conscious selection of the product. Firstly, to check the origin of wild salmon, especially from the Pacific, but it is considered to be a healthy selection, hemp, for instance, from Norway, can be equally good if it comes from certified breeders or from other fisheries.
