Buying wild salmon online is a great way to ensure you get the best-quality product for the money you spend. This type of fish, in contrast to the more widely available farmed salmon, is caught in natural environments, like rivers and oceans. The environment, in combination with diet, makes for a better-tasting tasting fish. But can wild salmon be used to make sushi? While there are several companies that advertise wild salmon online as “sushi grade,” there’s more to know about the label.
What is Sushi Grade?
In the simplest terms, “sushi grade” is a marketing term used to describe fish that is safe to prepare and eat raw. While most consumers should feel safe eating this product raw, the term doesn’t mean quite what we think it does. “Sushi grade” is not a category regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so it is up to the seller to determine what is and is not safe to eat without cooking. There is no official definition for the “sushi grade” designation; it is simply a marketing term used to make a product more attractive to consumers.
In most cases, sushi grade salmon online is shorthand for the highest-quality fish a seller offers. This means it will also likely be the more expensive option available. Still, this can be a good metric for understanding which product to purchase if you want to make sushi, sashimi, or any other dish that requires raw fish.
Why Wild-Caught Salmon is Better Than Sushi-Grade
For consumers looking to buy the highest-quality salmon on the market, “wild caught” is often a better category to pursue. While you can find sushi grade salmon online, the quality of the fish receiving that designation cannot always be assumed. By contrast, buying wild salmon online is a better guarantee for a high-quality fish. This term, rather than providing a marketing category, gives the buyer a view into how the fish was sourced, treated, and handled before getting to your doorstep. Wild salmon online is often the best indicator of a fish’s quality and source – even more than “sushi grade.”
However, be aware that wild salmon will need to be frozen for specific periods of time at specific temperatures before being consumed raw. This is an important step for ridding the fish of parasites. Most wild salmon online sellers flash-freeze their fish onboard fishing vessels in an effort to preserve flavor and texture. This step will also kill potential parasites, allowing you to feel safe eating the salmon raw. If you have any questions about the fish, we suggest calling a company’s customer service line.
Where to Find Wild and Sushi-Grade Salmon Online
Tuna and salmon are among the most common types of sushi grade fish we eat. This means finding the product you need to make sushi at home should be relatively easy. Still, it’s important to pay attention to several factors when making your final decision. You should always choose providers who are transparent about their sourcing and sustainability measures. This will almost always result in a better-quality fish. Buying sushi grade fish online is easier now than ever before.
If you’re looking for sushi-grade salmon and can’t find it at your provider, don’t spend too much time worrying about it. Instead, opt for the highest-quality wild caught fish they provide. If you have any questions about being able to consume this fish raw, call the company customer service line. They’ll be able to provide insight into the product’s quality and sourcing, which will help you make a better, more informed decision.
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