What are the Different Types of Salmon
Salmon is one of the most popular seafood choices in Australia, known for its rich flavour, vibrant colour and reputation as a nutritious, omega 3 rich fish. But not all salmon is the same.
From different salmon species to variations in colour, fat content and flavour, there is a lot of confusion around what you are actually buying. Add in terms like wild caught, farmed, Atlantic and Pacific, and it is easy to see why.
Understanding the different types of salmon helps you make better choices, whether you are cooking at home or deciding what to add to your next restaurant order.
How Many Types of Salmon Are There?
There are several different salmon species found around the world, but most fall into two main categories: Pacific salmon species and Atlantic salmon.
Pacific salmon includes a range of species such as Chinook, sockeye, coho and pink salmon. These are typically wild caught salmon and vary widely in flavour, colour and fat content.
Atlantic salmon is a single species, but it is the most commonly farmed salmon in the world and dominates what you will find in Australian supermarkets.
Pacific vs Atlantic Salmon
The main difference between Pacific and Atlantic salmon comes down to how they are sourced.
Pacific salmon species are mostly wild caught, particularly in regions like the North Pacific. They are seasonal and can vary significantly depending on the species.
Atlantic salmon, on the other hand, is primarily farmed. In Australia, most fresh salmon available is Atlantic salmon, raised through aquaculture.
This difference affects everything from availability to flavour and fat content, with farmed salmon generally being higher in fat.
Wild Caught vs Farmed Salmon
Wild caught salmon and farmed salmon differ in how they are raised and how they end up on your plate.
Wild caught salmon live in natural environments and feed on a natural diet. This can result in leaner fish with more variation in flavour and colour. Wild caught species are seasonal and less commonly available in Australia than farmed salmon.
Farmed salmon are raised in controlled environments and are fed a regulated diet. This leads to higher fat content and wider availability locally.
Types of Salmon Explained
Each salmon species has its own characteristics, from taste to texture and nutritional profile.
Chinook Salmon (King Salmon)
Chinook salmon, often called King salmon, is known for its high fat content and rich, buttery flavour. While it is often described as a premium option, much of what is available in Australia is farmed rather than wild caught.
Sockeye Salmon
Sockeye salmon stands out for its deep red colour, firm texture and stronger flavour. It is widely regarded as one of the best salmon options and is wild caught, particularly from regions in the North Pacific like Alaska.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon sits somewhere in the middle of King and Sockeye salmon. It has a balanced fat content and a milder flavour, making it versatile and suitable for a wide range of cooking methods. It is less commonly seen in Australia and is typically available frozen rather than fresh.
Pink Salmon
Pink salmon is the most abundant species and has the lowest fat content. It has a lighter flavour and softer texture, and is most commonly used in canned salmon products rather than fresh fillets.
Other Pacific Salmon Species
Other species like chum salmon are less commonly seen in Australia and are generally used for processed products rather than fresh fillets.
Types of Salmon You Can Buy in Australia
In Australia, the most commonly available salmon is Atlantic salmon, largely due to the scale of salmon farming, particularly in Tasmania.
Other salmon species such as sockeye, coho and pink are also available, though less commonly. These are typically sourced from wild caught fisheries in North America.
While there are several salmon species globally, the range available in Australia is more limited.
At Our Cow, we offer wild caught sockeye salmon, giving you access to a deeper flavour and a different style of salmon compared to the more common Atlantic varieties Australians find in supermarkets.
Is Salmon Good for Your Health
Salmon is widely recognised as an omega 3 rich fish, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. It provides high quality protein along with important nutrients that support overall health.
Including salmon as part of a balanced diet is a simple way to add a nutrient dense, whole food protein to your meals.
Why Our Cow Stocks Wild Caught Sockeye Salmon
Sockeye stands out from other salmon for its firmer texture, deeper colour and more pronounced flavour. It is a very different product to the milder, higher fat salmon most people are used to.
It is wild caught, not farmed, meaning it is not exposed to antibiotics or added chemicals used in most aquaculture systems. Instead, it develops naturally in its environment, which contributes to both its flavour and overall quality.
For Our Cow, it is not just about offering another type of salmon, but about choosing one that aligns with how we believe food should be sourced and produced. And it one that tastes better than the rest!
Why Salmon Quality & Sourcing Matter
Not all salmon is equal, even within the same species.
How the fish is sourced, handled and prepared has a direct impact on flavour, texture and overall quality. That is why transparency matters.
Our Cow focuses on sourcing wild caught seafood from responsible fisheries, so you know exactly what you are getting. It is about delivering salmon that reflects sustainable practices, careful handling and the kind of quality you can taste.
Our goal is always the same, to deliver Australian meat and seafood that is worth putting on your plate. Add our wild caught seafood including Sockeye Salmon to your next meat box delivery.