Scottish Salmon: Health Benefits, Provenance & Culinary Inspiration
Scottish salmon isn’t just a delicacy, it’s a national treasure. Sourced from pristine Highland waters and nurtured by sustainable farming practices, this omega-rich powerhouse is as good for your body as it is for your tastebuds. In partnership with the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation, we’re diving into what makes this fish so exceptional, from its nutritional benefits to its traceable provenance. Whether you’re a home cook, a food lover, or a curious diner, this is your guide to Scotland’s most celebrated seafood.
Scottish Salmon : A Taste of Scotland’s Natural Bounty
I’ve been collaborating with the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation who are governed by a body that represent all Scottish Salmon fishing companies. They champion the sectors best interest and support the work to transform the regulatory framework for salmon farming in Scotland to one that is highly regarded, trusted by stakeholders and unlocks the sustainable growth of the sector.
They are working hard at developing a sector vision to ensure Scottish salmon is at the forefront of sustainability and working to improve understanding of the Scottish salmon farming sector and offer open and transparent insight into how it operates. They also monitor and report on fish health and welfare ensuring high standards and continued innovations to support a strong code of practice.
Scottish Salmon is at the heart of Scottish food production and is one of Scotland’s most important rural sectors. The Scottish salmon industry employs 2,500 people directly in the production of Scottish salmon and the sector also supports a further 8,000 Scottish jobs in the supply chain. Export worth is around £618 million which equated to 94,000 tonnes of salmon being exported in 2019 and Salmon is the most popular fish dish among UK shoppers (followed by cod and tuna) with £1.1 billion of sales in 2018.
Why Scottish Salmon Stands Out
NHS guidance suggests a healthy, well-balanced diet should consist of at least 2 x 140g portions of fish per week, one of which should be an oily fish, rich in Omega-3, such as salmon.
Long-chain omega-3 can help prevent heart disease. It is also important for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding because it can help a baby’s nervous system to develop.
Children who regularly consume foods rich in Omega-3 have been shown in studies to have increased concentration levels and improved learning abilities.
Salmon is an excellent source of high quality protein, around 35g per 140g serving, vitamins and minerals (including potassium, selenium and vitamin B12).
Scientists are investigating the role fish consumption may have in protecting people from some cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, asthma, diabetes, macular degeneration, high blood pressure and multiple sclerosis.
Cooking Inspiration : recipes
I was gifted some fantastic Scottish Salmon provided by the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation and I have created two recipes
A STARTER : Scottish Salmon Mousse. You’ll find the recipe here
A MAIN : Pan Fried Scottish Salmon with ginger, garlic, honey and soy. You’ll find the recipe here
Scottish Salmon is readily available in your local fishmongers and in most supermarkets. You can purchase is already filleted, as a side of Salmon ready to cook, or you can purchase Hot Smoked Salmon that’s delicious and flakey or cold smoked salmon thinly sliced and ideal for a Sunday Brunch.
From loch to plate, Scottish salmon tells a story of care, quality, and culinary pride. If you’re inspired to explore more, why not try one of my featured recipes or visit a local restaurant serving Loch Duart salmon? Share your salmon creations or favourite dishes with me on social media @TartanSpoon, and let’s keep celebrating Scotland’s seafood legacy, one delicious bite at a time.
So for your next meal, do consider Scottish Salmon. It’s healthy and delicious!
For more information on the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation and what they do visit their website www.scottishsalmon.co.uk
This was a collaboration between myself and the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation. The recipes are my own.
TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.
Adele is a writer, reviewer and judge living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food, Scottish Bakers, Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards. Should you wish to work with, invite or collaborate with TartanSpoon, please email tartanspoon@yahoo.co.uk
Scottish salmon, Health benefits of salmon, Sustainable Scottish seafood, Loch Duart salmon, Omega-3 rich foods, Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation, Farmed salmon Scotland, Scottish food blog
