Coho Salmon vs Sockeye – What’s the difference?
The difference between Coho salmon and Sockeye salmon is quite large. In terms of taste, appearance and fat content, you can see a lot of differences. Coho salmon has a somewhat milder taste than Sockeye salmon. Sockeye salmon is very well known for its meaty texture. In terms of appearance, the differences are huge. The Sockeye salmon, also called red salmon, is a salmon with a deep red color. The Coho salmon, on the other hand, is known as silver salmon. This is because of its silvery color; they often have a dark back and a white belly. Finally, the fat content: in this, the Sockeye salmon stands out, due to its high omega-3 content compared to the Coho salmon. The high amount of omega-3 gives the meat a deep color. Omega-3 is also very healthy; it provides protection against cardiovascular diseases.
What is coho salmon?
Farmed Coho salmon is a species of salmon produced mainly in aquaculture in countries such as Chile, Canada, as well as Japan. The hatching of each egg is the beginning of the entire breeding process. This is done in freshwater tanks. The young fish, known as smolts, grow here for several months before being moved to basins or cages containing seawater. In this strictly regulated environment, all salmon are fed a complete and balanced diet, which greatly enhances their growth and overall health. To ensure optimal living conditions, all water is closely monitored. After 12 to 18 months, Coho salmon are heavy enough and are caught for consumption.
What is Sockeye salmon?
The Sockeye salmon is a wild salmon species found primarily on the west coast of North America, Canada and Alaska. It is also found in other parts of the Pacific Ocean and lives in both freshwater and saltwater. Sockeye salmon live most of their lives in the ocean and then migrate upstream to freshwater to spawn.
During this journey, the color of the Sockeye salmon changes from silvery to bright red. The Sockeye is known for its good nutritional value: the fish is high in omega-3 and protein. It also contains many vitamins, such as vitamin D and B12.
Why is sockeye also called red salmon? Carotenoid in salmon explained
Sockeye salmon are the only salmon that are red. Sockeye salmon acquire this color when they migrate from the ocean via stream to freshwater to spawn. The cause of the red color lies in the fish’s diet. This is because the fish eats mostly orange krill. In krill there is the substance carotenoid, and this is what causes the red color of the Sockeye.
What is the taste difference between coho or sockeye salmon?
Sockeye salmon is a fattier fish with deep red flesh. Red salmon has a stronger flavor and is therefore preferred by experienced salmon eaters. Sockeye salmon is also very resistant to grilling. Coho salmon is somewhat milder in flavor and lighter in color. This makes Coho salmon ideal for tricky eaters and people just starting to eat salmon. Sockeye salmon also eat a more varied diet because they live in the wild, whereas farmed salmon are fed the same food every day. Farmed salmon live in a controlled environment and move less than wild salmon, leading to softer meat. Some farms use cages in areas with strong currents to allow the fish to move more, creating a firmer structure. But Sockeye salmon must swim against currents throughout their lives and naturally have a much firmer structure than farmed salmon.
Is sockeye salmon healthier than Atlantic salmon?
Sockeye salmon and Atlantic salmon are both equally healthy for a person. This is because they are both rich in protein and omega-3. Omega-3 fats are very healthy for a person because you get them almost exclusively through salmon or other fish. Protein is good for repairing and maintaining your muscles. What is different is that Sockeye salmon is wild-caught and Atlantic salmon is farmed. Also, Sockeye salmon are red during the spawning season, while Atlantic salmon remain silvery.
Are farmed coho salmon and sockeye salmon healthy? Why is the ASC and MSC labels important in this regard?
Farmed Coho salmon are basically as healthy as wild-caught Sockeye salmon. But then the farmed Coho salmon must be fed the same nutrition as what it would eat in the wild. This is done at most farms. You can verify that this is done through the ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) seal of approval. Furthermore, with wild-caught Sockeye salmon, you can check that it is healthy through the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) label. These two labels check that the entire process of the fish has been as environmentally and animal friendly as possible. They also check if the fish is healthy for humans.
How Neerlandia Urk processes and transports sockeye and coho salmon from the Netherlands to wholesalers
Sockeye salmon and coho salmon are both processed the same way. This is because they are roughly the same shape and because they both arrive frozen. When the salmon arrive at Neerlandia Urk, they are first thawed to about -1 degree Celsius. Then they are unpacked and go onto the conveyor belt. On the belt, first the tail is cut off by a machine. Then the salmon are split into two parts and led over two belts. Then the fins are cut off and the backbone removed. Then the salmon can be packed and stacked on a pallet. Then the pallet of Sockeye or Coho salmon can be put into the truck and head for the wholesaler.
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