King salmon also known as Chinook salmon is one of the most delicious and coveted fish on the market. If you’re a seafood lover, you’ve probably wondered – how much does king salmon cost per pound? As with any type of fish, the price of king salmon can vary significantly based on several factors. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about what impacts the cost of king salmon and provide price estimates so you know what to expect.
An Overview of King Salmon
Before diving into prices, let’s start with a quick overview of king salmon. This fish is the largest of the Pacific salmon species. It’s prized for its high fat content, which gives it a remarkably rich and buttery flavor and velvety texture when cooked properly.
King salmon live in the North Pacific and are found from Alaska down to California. They have a diverse diet consisting of smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans. Kings have a complex life cycle – they hatch in freshwater streams and rivers, migrate out to the ocean to feed and grow, and then return to their natal rivers and streams to spawn.
Some key facts about king salmon
- Average size is 20-40 pounds, but can reach up to 120 pounds.
- Meat color ranges from white to deep orange-red.
- High in healthy omega-3s.
- Available fresh May – September, with peak season June – August.
- Most wild kings come from Alaska.
Now that you know a bit about king salmon, let’s look at what impacts the cost per pound when buying it fresh or frozen.
Factors That Influence Price
Several key factors determine the price of king salmon on the market:
Location
Where the king salmon is caught or farmed dramatically affects price. Kings caught in the wild off the coast of Alaska are highly desired and command top dollar. Farmed salmon raised in Chile or Norway is less expensive since it doesn’t have to be shipped as far. If you live closer to the source, you’ll pay less due to reduced transportation costs.
Wild vs Farmed
Wild king salmon is more expensive than farmed. Wild kings have a richer flavor and firmer texture due to swimming freely and eating a natural diet. Farmed salmon is still tasty but it’s typically raised in pens, given feed, and has a softer texture.
Fresh vs Frozen
Fresh king salmon right off the fishing boats fetches a higher price than salmon that was frozen. However, freezing technology has improved tremendously, so frozen king can still deliver great quality when thawed properly.
Whole Fish vs Fillets/Portions
Whole king salmon sells for less per pound than fillets or portions. You pay for the convenience of pre-cut fish. However, cutting your own fillets takes skill and you lose usable meat, so pre-cut can be worthwhile.
Seasonality
Kings are most abundant in the summer months. Prices typically dip slightly in July and August as more hits the markets. Out of season when availability drops, expect to pay a premium.
Demand
Simple supply and demand economics impacts pricing too. Around holidays when demand spikes, kings can sell out quickly at a higher price point.
Average Prices for King Salmon
So how much does king salmon actually cost on average? Here are typical price ranges:
- Whole wild king salmon – $4.50-$8 per pound
- King salmon fillets/steaks – $15-$25 per pound
- King salmon portions – $13-$20 per pound
- Canned king salmon – $5-$12 per 7.5 oz can
- Smoked king salmon – $14-$30 per pound
These are national averages but prices will be lower if purchasing kings caught locally in the Pacific Northwest. You’ll pay the most for fresh wild Alaskan king salmon fillets out of season. Large kings over 25 pounds or rare Copper River kings can cost up to $50 per pound at high-end fish markets and restaurants. At the other end, canned king and frozen portions offer the best value.
When buying fresh king salmon, here are some sample prices from fish markets:
- Seattle: $22-$28 per lb for whole, $28-$35 per lb for fillets
- Anchorage: $18-$25 per lb for whole, $23-$32 per lb for fillets
- Portland: $20-$26 per lb for whole, $25-$33 per lb for fillets
- San Francisco: $25-$32 per lb for whole, $30-$40 per lb for fillets
Tips for Getting the Best Price
You can save money on king salmon with these buying tips:
- Buy in season when abundance is high
- Look for sales and promotions
- Buy direct from fishermen at the dock or farmers market if possible
- Purchase frozen salmon out of season
- Buy whole salmon and cut it yourself
- Opt for farmed salmon if on a budget
- Canned king salmon provides value and convenience
With wild king salmon, you truly get what you pay for in terms of eating quality. While pricier than other salmon species, it’s worth splurging on for special occasions or as an occasional treat for seafood fans. Following these guidelines can help you find the best king salmon value while staying within your budget.
Is King Salmon Worth the High Price?
Due to its rich flavor and texture, king salmon can cost over double the price of cheaper salmon like farmed Atlantic salmon. So is it worth paying the king salmon premium?
For many seafood aficionados, the answer is a resounding yes. The unmatched buttery flavor and silky mouthfeel of a perfectly cooked king makes it a luxury item. The high omega-3 content also boosts the nutrition profile of this fish.
While not an everyday staple for the average consumer, king salmon makes an excellent occasional splurge purchase. It can be the star of a special homemade meal or restaurant dinner. Although expensive, its memorable eating quality justifies the lofty price that fishermen can command for wild king salmon.
Next time you see king salmon at the market or on a restaurant menu, keep the typical per pound price range of $15-$30 in mind. With these tips, you can shop smarter and find the best king salmon deals. While not cheap, treating yourself to sustainably caught wild king salmon can be worth it for the top-notch flavor and nutrition.
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FAQ
FAQ
Why is king salmon so expensive?
As a result of farmed king salmon being more plentiful than wild salmon due to year-round production and controlled harvests, they tend to be priced more …Nov 25, 2024
How much should a pound of salmon cost?
We’re able to calculate the average monthly prices that restaurants pay for salmon, seafood, other ingredients by using proprietary data from xtraCHEF by Toast, our invoice automation and recipe costing tool. The average national price per pound of salmon is $10.25 in August.
What’s the most expensive salmon?
Often referred to as “the Wagyu of salmon,” Copper River king salmon can reach $120 per pound. Sought after by chefs for its rich, buttery flavor, this salmon is not easy to come by. To reach its final destination in Alaska’s Copper River, it has to swim 300 miles between glaciers.
How much is 10 lb of salmon?
10 lb portions box ($18.75/lb)
How much does a king salmon cost?
Also, White King salmon is sold for around $25 (≈1.7 hours of labor required at $15/hour) per pound. The price of salmon fillets like Alaskan King, Copper River King, and Columbia River King is anywhere between $12 and $28 (≈1.9 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job), depending on their type.
How much does salmon cost per pound?
For instance, you can purchase Copper River Sockeye salmon for around $19 (≈1.3 hours spent earning money at $15/hour) per pound, while for wild-caught Alaskan King salmon, you will have to pay almost $24 (≈1.6 hours of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour) per pound.
How much does a king fish cost?
So wild king generally runs $35 to $50 per pound for whole fish or fillets. Prices dip closer to $25 per pound for farm-raised alternates like New Zealand’s Ora King. And costs can skyrocket over $70 per pound for specialty products. Let’s look at what impacts pricing.
How many lbs of salmon per person?
Serving Size: 3/4 to 1 pound per person -When ordering whole salmon please keep in mind that you will not get 19-20 pounds of meat. The recovery of a whole fish is 75%** -Fish is shipped in sides, if you would like your fish to be portioned out, please select from the drop down menu
How much does a king salmon weigh on average?
The average Alaskan king salmon is about 30 lbs and 36 inches long. It’s no secret that salmon is a healthy food choice, but what about specifically king salmon, which is often twice as expensive as other salmon?
How much does farmed salmon cost?
Though, farmed salmon will never be dependent on the season. Depending on the type of salmon, The prices will differ. For example, fresh whole specimens will cost $20 to $28 (≈1.9 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job) per pound.