Salmon (Oncorhynchus and Salmo genera) are anadromous fish that have played a significant role in human nutrition and culture for thousands of years. These remarkable fish are born in freshwater rivers, migrate to the ocean to mature, and return to their birthplace to spawn.
Salmon have been a vital food source for indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest for millennia. In Celtic mythology, salmon represented wisdom and knowledge. The distinctive orange-pink color of salmon flesh comes from their diet of krill and shrimp, which contain astaxanthin.
Today, salmon is one of the most popular fish worldwide, prized for its rich flavor, versatility in cooking, and exceptional nutritional profile. Major salmon-producing countries include Norway, Chile, Scotland, Canada, and the United States (Alaska).
