Let’s admit it: for those of us who have experienced enjoying a fresh fillet of salmon straight off the boat, there’s nothing like it. But for those of us who don’t have access to this shoreside pleasure, what if we told you that consuming wild Prince William Sound or Copper River salmon not only lies in this fresh catch, but also in their frozen counterparts?

A Brief History of Flash Freezing Salmon

Let's take a dip into the history of freezing salmon. This technique has been around for millennials, used by Indigenous Peoples in the region that we now call the Arctic. In the early 20th century, a pivotal moment in the history of frozen food occurred when Clarence Birdseye, a young innovator, took a dogsled expedition into the Arctic. During his time there, Birdseye noticed something remarkable: local Inuits were catching fish that appeared to be ‘frozen in mid-air’. Birdseye realized that the speed at which these fish were frozen was essential for preserving their freshness and taste. In today’s society, we call this flash-freezing. This insight laid the foundation for the development of modern frozen food techniques and marked a crucial turning point in the salmon industry, enabling salmon lovers all over the world to enjoy it year-round

Benefits to Flash-Freezing 

Quality Preservation:Advances in freezing technology have made it possible to lock in pristine quality immediately after the fish are caught. Flash freezing at extremely low temperatures (± -40° Fahrenheit) ensures that the flavors, textures, and nutritional value remain intact. The salmon retain even their firmness and vibrant red coloring in the process. The result is that you get salmon that's as close to fresh as you can get.

Year-Round Availability: Our salmon have a short, intense season. If you're not lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, fresh Copper River and Prince William Sound salmon can be hard to come by. With frozen options, you can savor the taste from these regions whenever you desire, ensuring you're never limited by the season.

Sustainability: Prince William Sound and Copper River salmon are celebrated not only for their flavor but also for their sustainability. Freezing helps extend the reach of these fish without compromising their ecological footprint, making it an eco-friendly choice for the conscious consumer.

Endless Culinary Possibilities: Whether you're an amateur cook or a seasoned chef, frozen salmon from Prince William Sound and Copper River offers endless culinary possibilities. From grilling to baking, poaching to searing, the quality and taste remain consistent.

Health Benefits: Copper River and Prince William Sound salmon are renowned for their health benefits, thanks to their high Omega-3 content. Freezing preserves these essential fatty acids, ensuring you still get the health kick you'd expect from fresh salmon.

Flash freezing has revolutionized the way we consume salmon, freeing it from the constraints of seasons and geography. Aside from ensuring year-round availability, the benefits of flash freezing encapsulate the pristine quality and taste of salmon and enhance its culinary versatility. Chefs and consumers can savor the remarkable flavors of Copper River and Prince William Sound salmon regardless of location or time of year.

Copper River Salmon Poke

By Hayley Hoover, F/V Obsidian

Ingredients

• 1 lb. thawed Copper River king salmon, cut into ½” cubes 
• cup soy sauce
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove fresh garlic mashed and chopped
• C chopped green onion
• 1 large avocado cubed
• red chili pepper, seeded, cored, and diced (more/less to your desired heat level)
• Sesame seeds or furikake for garnish 

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and mashed/chopped garlic.
2. Added the cubed Copper River king salmon to the liquid ingredients and stir to coat the salmon.
3. Add the chopped green onion, cubed avocado, and diced pepper, and combine all ingredients well. (I like to use my hands to mix to prevent the salmon and avocado being mashed)