Salmon, Chum

Common Name:

Dog salmon, calico salmon, chub

Product Information:

Chum salmon has a lower oil content than the other wild salmon, which gives it a relatively mild flavor. However, it’s the meatiest and firmest in texture of the wild species. The pinkish-orange flesh of chum salmon is paler in color than that of sockeye, coho or chinook and is firm and coarse.Raw meat is orange, pink or red. The exact color depends on where the fish was caught. Meat becomes progressively paler and grayish during the upstream migration to spawn. Fish with watermarks below the lateral line have soft meat that is not flavorful, though it may be pink.

Cooking Tips:

Chum meat is good in casseroles and other dishes where color is not a consideration. Because of its relatively low price, chum is often used in value-added items. Since chum is a lean fish, it doesn’t grill or broil as well as the fattier salmon. It’s better to use chum with recipes designed to help the fish retain its moisture. For grilling, marinate first and baste while cooking.

Cooking Methods: