Where to Buy Salmon Lox – A Guide to Finding Delicious Lox

Salmon lox is a delicious cured salmon delicacy that is a favorite among seafood lovers. With its velvety texture, robust smoky flavor, and beautiful deep red color, lox is a luxurious addition to any meal. But where can you buy high-quality lox for your home? This guide will walk you through the best places to purchase lox, so you can enjoy this gourmet treat anytime.

What is Salmon Lox?

Salmon lox refers to cured salmon that is cold-smoked over a low heat rather than cooked over high heat It originated as a delicacy in Eastern Europe, especially among Jewish communities, and has become popular worldwide. The curing and smoking process gives lox its signature silky texture, while accentuating the natural rich flavor of salmon. Lox is often enjoyed on bagels with cream cheese or used in creative dishes like salmon Benedict

The best lox is made from wild-caught salmon like sockeye or coho. Wild salmon has a fuller more complex taste compared to farmed salmon. Lox is sold pre-sliced in packs or whole side fillets. It has a bright red-orange color and translucent appearance when sliced thin. The highest quality lox will have a clean seafood taste without being overly salty.

Purchasing Lox from Grocery Stores

One of the easiest places to buy lox is at your local grocery store, especially larger chains like Whole Foods. The seafood counter will stock pre-packaged lox slices or whole fillets from reputable brands. Here are some things to look for:

• Wild-caught salmon – Confirm the lox is made from wild salmon like sockeye, not farmed Atlantic salmon. This ensures better flavor and sustainability.

• No excessive ingredients – Quality lox contains salmon, salt, and smoke. Avoid lox with a long list of preservatives and additives.

• Trusted brands – Stick to well-known lox brands like Nova, Ducktrap, Acme, or Fairway. Check for sustainable fishing practices.

• Red-orange color – Bright color indicates freshness. Avoid lox that looks dull or brownish.

• Firm texture – The lox should be firm and sliceable, not mushy.

• No strong odor – It should smell mildly smoky and ocean-fresh. Rancid lox means spoiled fish.

Buying lox from the grocery store seafood counter ensures convenience. Just watch the sell-by date and eat within a week of purchasing for optimal freshness and flavor.

Ordering Lox Online Direct from Company

Another great option is to order lox online directly from a specialty seafood company. This gives you access to premium lox options and sustainable wild-caught fish. Two top lox providers are:

Wild Alaska Salmon & Seafood

• Offers 6 oz. sockeye lox packs sustainably caught in Alaska

• Ships frozen to preserve freshness

• Also provides wild salmon, halibut, crab, and custom seafood boxes

• Fast 2-day shipping available

SeaBear Smokehouse

• Sells multiple lox varieties like wild sockeye and coho

• Products are smoked in small batches in Washington

• Wide selection of smoked salmon gifts and monthly clubs

• Offers discounted pricing for larger orders

Ordering lox online ensures you receive the highest quality product direct from the source. Be sure to choose overnight shipping so the frozen lox stays cold during transport.

Buying Lox from Specialty Stores

In addition to large supermarkets, consider checking out these specialty stores for premium lox options:

Delis and Bagel Shops

An authentic Jewish deli or bagel shop is a classic place to buy freshly sliced lox for sandwiches and platters. Tell them exactly how much you need and how you want it sliced. You can also find homemade gravlax (cured raw salmon) at delis.

Fish Markets

Local fish markets, especially in coastal cities, often carry fresh lox alongside their seafood. You can speak directly with the fishmonger for recommendations. This is also where to go for a whole side of smoked salmon.

Butcher Shops

Upscale butcher shops are expanding into gourmet seafood like lox. They pride themselves on sourcing sustainable wild-caught fish. You can get custom cuts of lox.

Farmer’s Markets

Ask vendors at your local farmer’s market if they offer smoked salmon and lox. Oftentimes they’ll have limited seasonal selections from small-batch smokehouses.

By shopping at specialty stores for lox, you can discover new exciting varieties and supporting local producers.

What to Look for When Buying Lox

To recap, here are the top things to look for when purchasing lox:

• Wild-caught Pacific salmon (sockeye, coho, king)

• Deep red-orange color with translucent fat marbling

• Firm, sliceable texture without mushiness

• Clean, fresh seafood smell, not fishy odor

• Minimal ingredients (salmon, salt, smoke)

• Reputable brand and sustainable sourcing

• Packaged with ice or frozen for freshness

• Reasonable use-by date for pre-sliced lox

Checking for these quality factors will ensure you get delicious, fresh lox worth savoring.

How to Store Lox

Once purchased, proper storage is key to preserving freshness and preventing waste. Follow these tips:

• Keep refrigerated at all times, stored in original packaging or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

• If thawed upon arrival, use within 3-5 days.

• Freeze lox if not using soon. Thaw overnight in fridge before serving.

• Slice off portions as needed instead of thawing the whole piece.

• Rinse cured lox before eating to reduce sodium content.

• Discard any lox with strong fishy odor or slimy texture.

With proper refrigeration and freezing, your lox can last for several weeks to months.

Enjoy the Velvety Goodness of Lox

With its rich flavor and decadent texture, salmon lox is a real treat for any seafood fan. This guide provides the key tips for finding top-quality lox at grocery stores, specialty shops, or ordering online. Seek out responsibly caught wild salmon and brands known for their craftsmanship. Store your lox correctly to extend freshness. Soon you’ll be ready to enjoy delicious lox in creative dishes, on bagels, or straight from the package. The exceptional taste of lox is worth the splurge at your next brunch or gathering.

Yes, there’s a key difference between lox and smoked salmon: lox is only cured in salt, while smoked salmon is cured and then smoked.