Here are the questions (and answers) we’re asked most often. If you don’t see your question answered here, please feel free to contact us.
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Why can't the pin bones be removed before shipping?
For quality purposes the fish is blast frozen within 12-18 hours after it is caught to retain the flavor and texture of the fish. This is not enough time for the flesh to relax enough to remove the pin bone without damaging the texture.
King (Chinook) are the largest and least abundant of the species, prized for their color, high oil content, firm texture and succulent flesh.
Sockeye (Red) are the second most abundant of the species and along with their deep red flesh, rich flavor and texture that is retained throughout cooking they are most often served in upscale restaurants and most sought after world wide.
Coho (Silver) are the second largest in size of the species and have an orange-red flesh color. They are most often used in frozen and smoked forms.
Chum (Dog or Keta) are lighter in color and most widely used throughout the foodservice industry and for smoking.
Pink (Humpy) are the most abundant salmon species and can be found in canned products.
Alaska Salmon spawn in over 2,000 freshwater rivers and lakes across the state then migrate thousands of miles out into the ocean through the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. Only then to return to the exact place of their birth a few years later after maturing. All Alaska Salmon live through only one spawning cycle. Sockeye Salmon have a life span of about 4-5 years.
The state of Alaska has included in their constitution strict provisions for managing and harvesting all fish on the sustained yield principle. Along with these many programs includes limiting the amount of permits issued resulting in record salmon harvests over the last few years and assurance of abundant supply in years to come.
What is the difference between wild and farm-raised salmon?
Wild Alaska Salmon are anadromous, which means they spawn in fresh water, migrate to the sea to mature and then return, all the while feeding on a natural diet of marine organisms. Combined, their natural diet and the rigorous task of swimming upstream gives Alaskan Salmon their unique flavor, color and texture.
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Farm raised salmon are caged in pens for life and fed food that often has coloring additives to darken their flesh so they will resemble the wild species. There are hormones and antibiotics that may also be used in this form of harvesting. While the fish are more uniform in size there is a distinct difference in their health value due to their diet and stagnant life cycle.
How many hours of daylight are there in Alaska during the summer months?
Right around the summer solstice (June 21st) there are about 20 hours of direct sunlight a day . During this time of the year it never gets completely dark.
