Salmon is one of the most popular and beloved fish in the world. Rich, fatty, and flavorful salmon makes for an incredible meal and offers numerous health benefits. However not all salmon is created equal. Salmon from the remote Faroe Islands, located in the North Atlantic Ocean between Iceland, Norway and Scotland, is renowned as the highest quality and best tasting salmon available. There are several key reasons why Faroe Island salmon has gained a reputation as the crème de la crème of salmon.
Pristine Waters Lead to Superior Health and Flavor
The frigid clean waters surrounding the Faroe Islands are ideal for raising healthy, robust salmon. The cold temperatures keep the salmon lean while the swift currents exercise the fish as they swim against the flow. This leads to firm, well-muscled flesh. The abundant supply of prey like herring, sandeels, and capelin in these waters also allows the salmon to grow strong on a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats impart the signature buttery, rich taste of Faroe salmon. The waters are so pure that no antibiotics or pesticides are required when raising the fish.
Traditional Farming Methods Focus on Salmon Welfare
On the Faroe Islands, salmon farming practices focus on sustainability and maintaining the health of the salmon. The salmon live in large enclosed pens in natural fjord sites. This allows ample room for swimming to mimic the salmon’s natural ocean environment. Farmers monitor the pens to ensure water quality and prevent overcrowding. The salmon are harvested at no younger than 18 months, when they reach full maturity, which maximizes flavor and texture. Handling methods focus on minimizing stress to the fish. These traditional, low impact farming techniques passed down through generations result in the highest quality salmon.
Strict Regulations Protect Quality and Sustainability
Salmon farming on the Faroe Islands adheres to the world’s strictest regulations. Rigorous monitoring ensures the salmon are raised in optimal conditions. Farms must participate in a comprehensive auditing process covering over 500 criteria for responsible and sustainable aquaculture practices. The pristine waters surrounding the islands are closely safeguarded to prevent any environmental impact from salmon farming. Limiting the number of farms allowed in the region prevents overtaxing the ecosystem. The Faroe Island’s Salmon Farming Association collaborates closely with the government to continually improve farming methods. This deep commitment to responsible practices protects the quality of the salmon.
Quick Freezing Preserves Freshness
Once harvested, Faroe Island salmon is processed and frozen extremely quickly, often within hours. The islands’ remote location previously made it impossible to deliver the salmon while still fresh. However, producers discovered that quick freezing preserves the integrity of the flesh almost as effectively as just-caught fish. Frozen shipment also allows the salmon to be distributed worldwide. So diners from New York to Tokyo can now enjoy salmon with the same fresh, delicious flavor as if caught on the islands that very day.
Sustainably Raised with Minimal Environmental Impact
Salmon farming practices on the Faroe Islands focus on working in harmony with the pristine natural environment. The use of enclosed pens prevents salmon escaping into the wild and becoming invasive. Farm waste and uneaten fish food are swiftly diluted in the strong currents, preventing pollution. The healthy salmon have minimal need for any drugs or chemicals that could impact marine life. Salmon farming on the Faroe Islands has such a light footprint that the industry has operated sustainably there for decades. Choosing Faroe Islands salmon supports ecologically responsible aquaculture.
Is Faroe Island salmon good for you?
FAQ
What is so special about Faroe Island salmon?
Faroe Islands salmon is renowned for its exceptional quality, flavor, and sustainability.
What is considered the best salmon in the world?
“Gourmet chefs around the world praise the superior taste of Faroe Islands salmon, and we believe that there is no finer salmon product around.”
Does Faroe Island salmon taste fishy?
The Faroe Islands salmon has a rich, buttery taste, with a firm texture and clean finish.
What country has the best farmed salmon?
- Norway. 50% (34% certified, 66% red)
- Chile. 32% (35% certified, 65% red)
- U.K. 5% (14% certified, 86% red)
- Faroe Islands. 4% (3% yellow, 97% certified)
- Canada. 3% (3% yellow, 3% certified, 94% red)
Is Faroe Island Salmon good?
If you’re looking for the best salmon, Faroe Island Salmon is the clear choice. Its combination of pristine origins, superior flavor, sustainability, and nutritional benefits make it a standout option for seafood lovers. Grown in pristine, natural waters. Offers unmatched taste and texture.
Why do Faroe Islanders eat salmon?
Faroe Islanders have been harvesting salmon over generations. This is a real testament to sustainable agriculture, and it helps support communities who value these traditional legacies. If you love to cook with salmon, it’s worth sourcing these superior tasting, sustainable fish from the cold waters of the Faroe Islands.
What are the benefits of salmon farming in the Faroe Islands?
Eco-Friendly Feeds: The salmon are fed non-GMO, sustainable feeds, contributing to their superior nutritional profile. Third-Party Certifications: The salmon farming industry in the Faroe Islands adheres to global standards for sustainability and quality.
What do salmon eat in the Faroe Islands?
Because salmon from the Faroe Islands are able to roam freely in sizable contained environments, their diet is natural, rather than controlled. They feast on capelin, herring, and eel. These nutrient rich foods not only nourish them, but it also helps them develop layers of healthy fats.
Do you want to live in the Faroe Islands?
The beautiful Faroe Islands. You’d want to be a salmon, too, if you got to live here. They’re also nurtured in pristine North Atlantic waters where the warm Gulf Stream currents meet cold currents from the Arctic, according to Niels Winther, manager of the Faroese Aquaculture Association.
What to eat in the Faroe Islands?
Faroe Islands salmon fillets can be simply seasoned and served alongside vegetables with minimal fuss, making for an easy weeknight meal. Chef Jonathan Waxman uses a soy sauce and rosé wine marinade for this grilled salmon recipe and fresh-from-the-market sugar snap peas and string beans.