Atlantic Salmon
Salmo salar
Also known as Salmon, Sea run salmon, Kelts, Black salmon
Culinary Profile
Buttery, rich taste.
Firm and fatty, rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Farmed salmon is low in sodium and contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12.
Gastronomic Specifications
Biology & Habitat
Appearance
Atlantic salmon have a spindle-like body shape—rounded, broad in the middle, and tapered at each end. The shape is somewhat flattened toward the sides, which is typical of salmon species. The head is relatively small, about one-fifth of the body length. The underside paired fins are prominent, especially on juveniles.
Biology
Atlantic salmon have a complex life history and go through several stages that affect their behavior, appearance, and habitat needs. Atlantic salmon begin their life cycle in rivers in Maine. Over several years they grow from eggs to fry to parr. After smolting, they travel through the Gulf of Maine into the North Atlantic as far as the coast of Greenland where they reach maturity before returning to Maine rivers to…
Where They Live
Range Atlantic salmon are the only salmon native to the Atlantic Ocean. There are three groups of Atlantic salmon: North American, European, and Baltic. These groups are found in the waters of North America, Iceland, Greenland, Europe, and Russia. The North American group, including the Canadian and U.S.
How to Buy & Source
Availability
Wild-caught Atlantic salmon is not available. Farm-raised Atlantic salmon is available year-round.
Source
Atlantic salmon found in the market is from coastal salmon farms, mostly in Maine or Washington. Commercial and recreational fishing for Atlantic salmon in the United States is prohibited.
Nutritional Benchmarking Across 104 Species
Where Atlantic Salmon ranks against the rest of the catalogue on each of USDA FoodData Central's per-100 g nutrient measures.
| Nutrient | Value | Rank | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 DHA | 1115 mg | 3 / 104 | 97% |
| Omega-3 EPA | 321 mg | 16 / 104 | 85% |
| Vitamin B12 | 3.18 µg | 29 / 106 | 73% |
| Selenium | 36.5 µg | 32 / 106 | 70% |
| Zinc | 0.64 mg | 35 / 111 | 68% |
| Protein | 19.84 g | 36 / 111 | 68% |
| Iron | 0.8 mg | 45 / 111 | 59% |
| Phosphorus | 200 mg | 66 / 111 | 41% |
Other New England/Mid-Atlantic Fisheries
Sustainable species managed out of the same regional fishery council as Atlantic Salmon.
Acadian Redfish
Sebastes fasciatus
Mild and slightly sweet. Redfish can be used as a substitute for haddock and similar fish.
American Lobster
Homarus americanus
Mild and sweet.
American Plaice
Hippoglossoides platessoides
Subtle, sweet flavor.
Atlantic Chub Mackerel
Scomber colias
Rich, pronounced flavor.
Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab
Chaceon quinquedens
Sweet and clean.
Atlantic Halibut
Hippoglossus hippoglossus
Halibut has a very mild, sweet taste.
Atlantic Pollock
Pollachius virens
Sweet and delicate.
Atlantic Sea Scallop
Placopecten magellanicus
Sea scallops have a sweet, rich taste that can be mild or briny.
Haddock
Melanogrammus aeglefinus
Slightly sweet.
Shortfin Squid
Illex illecebrosus
Mild, and subtly sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where in the water column does Atlantic Salmon live?
Range Atlantic salmon are the only salmon native to the Atlantic Ocean. There are three groups of Atlantic salmon: North American, European, and Baltic. These groups are found in the waters of North America, Iceland, Greenland, Europe, and Russia. The North American group, including the Canadian and U.S.
What else is Atlantic Salmon called?
Atlantic Salmon is also marketed as Salmon, Sea run salmon, Kelts, Black salmon.
How much selenium does Atlantic Salmon provide?
A 100 g raw serving of Atlantic Salmon carries 36.5 µg of selenium, about 66% of the 55 µg daily value for adults.
Is Atlantic Salmon a good source of vitamin B12?
Yes — Atlantic Salmon provides 3.18 µg of vitamin B12 per 100 g raw, which is 133% of the 2.4 µg daily value.
How does Atlantic Salmon reproduce?
Atlantic salmon have a complex life history and go through several stages that affect their behavior, appearance, and habitat needs. Atlantic salmon begin their life cycle in rivers in Maine. Over several years they grow from eggs to fry to parr.
Sustainability Story
U.S. farmed Atlantic salmon is a smart seafood choice because it is grown and harvested under U.S. state and federal regulations. Commercial and recreational fishing for Atlantic salmon in the United States is prohibited.
Data Source: NOAA Fisheries
Nutritional Profile
per 100 g raw edible portion · 19 values
Energy
Macronutrients
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Vitamins
Minerals
Source: USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy). %DV is percent of 2,000-kcal daily value for adults.
calendar_month Harvest Season
Frozen available year-round.