Great Alaskan Fish & Seafood Co.
Apr 24 2024

How our product differs from your typical big-box store

We are dedicated to providing the highest quality salmon through meticulous handling and processing techniques. From the moment the fish are caught to the time they reach your table, every step is designed to ensure premium quality.

Grading and Selection

salmon group Photo Courtesy of Alaska Seafood.

Our grading system is crucial in maintaining quality standards. Fish are categorized immediately upon capture—#1s (Grade A) are perfect, with bright, intact skin and no physical damage. These are reserved for our direct customers the highest quality product. Fish that don’t meet these strict criteria are classified as #2s (Grade B) or lower and are typically directed towards canneries and products requiring more processing.

Immediate Handling

bleeding fish poster Photo Courtesy of Alaska Seafood.

While we separate the fish, they undergo pressure bleeding, an essential step where a cut near the gills or tail allows us to remove blood by applying pressure. This process prevents blood from clotting within the flesh, which can degrade quality by affecting flavor and texture.

Storing and Transporting

tail fish poster Photo Courtesy of Alaska Seafood.

Following bleeding, the salmon are gutted and carefully packed with ice directly in their bellies, rapidly cooling them to preserve freshness and inhibit bacterial growth. The belly-packed fish are then kept in a slush ice mixture to maintain an optimal low temperature. This careful management of temperature from catch to processing helps prevent any deterioration in quality. Instead of sitting in a fish hold below deck for several days, the fish are promptly returned to town for processing.

Freezing and Glazing

chill fish poster Photo Courtesy of Alaska Seafood.

For whole fish, our process involves freezing them quickly after they’re caught and prepared. Once frozen, these whole fish are dipped in cold water to create a protective glaze of ice. This glaze acts as a shield against oxygen and light, which can significantly degrade the quality of the fish. After glazing, the fish are frozen again to reinforce this protective barrier, ensuring that the salmon remains in pristine condition during storage and transport.

Portion Processing

fish portions Photo Courtesy of Alaska Seafood.

In addition to whole fish, we also offer salmon portions that are carefully processed and vacuum sealed. These portions range from whole sides to 1lb fillets, tailored to meet various culinary needs and preferences. By vacuum sealing, we lock in the freshness and flavor, providing convenience without compromising the quality expected of our products.

Through these integrated steps, we ensure that each salmon, whether whole or portioned, is a reflection of our commitment to quality and freshness. This dedication is what makes our salmon stand out in the market, consistently meeting the high standards of chefs and households alike.

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