When Tanner’s Alaskan Seafood began, Jason and Rory Ann Tanner knew what a difference a fresh caught, 100% wild Alaskan salmon made in taste and quality compared to farmed salmon. It is with that dedication to quality and fresh fish that they still run the business to this day. However, there isn’t solely a difference in taste when it comes to wild caught vs. farmed salmon. Here are the biggest differences:

Visual and Dietary Differences:

Visually, farmed salmon looks very different from wild caught salmon. The most notable difference is the color. Fresh, wild caught salmon is a very vibrant pinkish-red  in color, while farmed fish is a more mild and subdued pinky-orange. This color variation stems from diet.

Wild salmon feeds on algae, small fish, and other organisms that give it the trademark color as well as high vitamin and mineral content. Farmed salmon is fed a diet of “chum” that consists of grain, corns, and astaxanthin (which is a compound responsible for giving the salmon it’s color)1.

This difference in diet also leads to a difference in minerals, nutrients, and chemicals found in the fish. The wild caught, fresh salmon that we sell at Tanner’s has no chemicals or preservatives added, ever. Farm raised fish can be exposed to antibiotics, contaminated by chemical pollutants, and many other harmful substances.

The striations are also different: farmed fish has more fat which is visible in the thicker white striations, which brings us to….

Fat Content

            Both farmed and wild caught salmon are rich in heart and brain-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, but the composition is slightly different. Because wild caught salmon is more lean than farmed, it has less overall fat, including Omega-3’s. However, this also means that wild salmon has lower amounts of Omega-6 fatty acids, which are inflammation causing.

Environment

            There is no question, farmed fish have poorer quality of life. Salmon are unique in the fact that they travel (some hundreds of miles) over their lifetime. Farmed fish are not afforded that natural ability, and crowded conditions can expose salmon to parasites and disease exposure.

The Tanner’s Way

            We have grown our business on the principle of providing quality over quantity. That is how we are able to provide only the freshest, high quality, wild caught salmon Alaska has to offer. We get our salmon directly from the beaches: we buy from fisherman, and process off shore in our own plant. We flash freeze at the height of freshness, locking in flavor and nutrients.

            We believe in the quality of our seafood, and know that so many of our customers order from us as a health conscious decision for their family. We know that we are an integral part of our community as well. We choose local, fresh fish to provide for our customers, because that is what we know is best. 100% wild caught, fresh salmon is best in taste, best in presentation, and best in health. And it’s only the best, every time, from Tanner’s Alaskan Seafood.

Photo Credit:

https://mindovermunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Wild-Vs-Farmed.png

References:

Buckingham, Cheyenne. “The Difference Between Farm-Raised and Wild Salmon”. Eat This, Not That!, 2 October, 2020, https://www.eatthis.com/farm-raised-wild-caught-salmon-difference/

From the ordering process all the way to the actual seafood on your plate, there is just something different about the Tanner’s Alaskan Seafood way. Looking back at our humble beginnings in sport processing, all the way to the leap to commercial fish processing and all nighters making sure everything was done right, one thing hasn’t changed over the years. Tanner’s Alaskan Seafood is a family run business grounded in our values of bringing only the freshest, best tasting wild caught seafood to our customers.

            Quality Over Quantity

            When we moved to commercial fish processing, we knew we still wanted to emphasize quality over quantity. We chose to stay a smaller operation to be able to always bring fresh seafood, which is unparalleled in quality and taste, to our customers.

            Every piece of seafood that passes through our processing system has at least 10 sets of eyes that go over it, to make sure it is the best possible quality. From when it is weighed in all the way until flash frozen, our team carefully inspects all our seafood to make sure premium portions get delivered to each person.

            The Tanner’s team also hand processes each fish that passes through. We choose to do it the “old fashioned way” so we don’t lose sight of our values. Everything is hand fileted, hand rubbed, and hand trimmed. This ensures that every shipment that ends up on a customer’s doorstep is prepared and packaged in the best possible way.

            Flash Freezing For Peak Freshness

            We choose to flash freeze our fish because it is the best way to maintain the integrity of the meat. With our (non-nitrogen based) method of flash freezing each molecule of water is isolated and frozen at once so that coveted freshness of the wild caught fish is better preserved.

With traditional freezing methods, the meat slowly freezes in portions instead of all at once, similar to what meat does when you dethaw and refreeze something. This compromises the taste, texture, and “fresh feeling” of the seafood.

Our seafood comes right out of the ocean, right into the processor, and right into the freezer. We don’t add dye or color to the fish, or preservatives. All our seafood is exactly what we list: all natural, 100% wild caught.

A Taste of Alaska

We love our community, and choose to honor it and do things The Alaskan Way. That translates to great customer service, and our pattrons really getting to experience a family owned and operated business. We know just how incredible Alaska is, and love to share that with our customers.

 Over and over, we hear how our seafood transports our customers back to a trip of a lifetime, or some of their best memories. Part of the magic of Alaska is the food: caught in the ocean and brought inside to eat fresh. Being able to bring that same freshness and quality to our customers, and hearing their stories of being transplanted back to Alaska keeps us going day after day.

The difference between our family run business and the competitors is simple: quality over quantity is our mission. Every single time.

Hearing comments from our customers like “The best halibut I have EVER had…. Really words fail- I am just SO happy with this company” (Gary, customer review) make our day, but we know that the secret to keeping our customers happy is simple. Real, wild caught, fresh Alaskan seafood will leave people delighted every time. There are so many reasons why Alaskan seafood is just so good, but here is our top four:

1. Health Benefits

Alaskan seafood is as healthy as it is delicious. Alaska is unique in the fact that it is removed from many of the largest pollution infested areas in the world. Our seafood is from some of the cleanest water on the planet, and that translates to healthier fish, and healthier food for you. We also have a very low population density in Alaska, with heavy regulation preventing pollution and contaminants that would compromise the health of our fish population.

Wild caught fish is high in heart and brain healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, and low in inflammatory saturated fats. Alaskan fish is a superior protein source that has a long list of health benefits, many of which are a result of the healthy and pollutant free diet wild fish enjoy in our immaculate waters.

Our team at Tanner’s Alaskan Seafood also ensures that the fresh, wild caught, all-natural fish stays that way. We don’t add preservatives, dyes, or anything else to the fish during processing. Not only does this preserve the amazing flavor and texture of our seafood, but the health benefits as well.

2. Ocean To Table

The unique ability of the Alaskan seafood industry to provide fish ocean-to-table is another huge reason why the seafood is just so good. At Tanner’s, we pick the fish up on the beach, process it by hand right away, flash freeze to maintain peak freshness, and overnight ship to the customer. The fish tastes like you just walked out the door and caught it. This freshness means that Alaskan seafood tastes amazing every time, because it is fresh every time.

• Sustainability

“The Alaskan Way” of fishing involves a respect for nature and life cycles that translate to an incredibly sustainable food supply. With laws and regulations protecting our environment and fishing practices focusing on marine conservation, you can count on quality seafood from Alaska instead of mass produced, farm raised fish. This protects the delicate ecosystem and environment, making Alaskan seafood a sustainable choice.

Tanner’s Alaskan Seafood echoes this Alaskan Way of doing things, focusing on quality over quantity in our business model and the fresh, 100% wild caught seafood we offer our customers.

• Unparalleled Flavor

The taste, texture, and quality of Alaskan seafood is a direct reflection of the quality of life and environment of our fish. The comparison of the flesh of a farm raised salmon compared to a wild caught salmon says it all before you even take a bite. The dull orangey-pink color of a farm raised salmon (fed a compound to give it that color) compared to the vibrant red of wild caught salmon shows the dietary differences in wild caught salmon that give it that amazing taste.

Alaskan fish has a varied diet of marine organisms, and the cold water and migration habits contribute to the incredible texture of the fish. There really is nothing else like fresh, Alaskan seafood.

            Taste Alaska’s best with our affordable and delicious seafood. We offer everything from salmon and halibut to calamari (and everything in between!). Try our products for yourself, and see why Alaskan seafood is just so good.

Fresh, wild caught Alaskan Halibut can make the Holidays special for your family this year. Widely considered to be the finest fish to eat in the world, Tanner’s fresh caught Alaskan Halibut will help you ring in this Holiday season with cheer. We provide the highest quality seafood worldwide, and offer overnight shipping anywhere in the US and Canada.

This rich, cheesy “Heavenly Halibut” recipe is the perfect compliment to our pearly white, firm halibut. With a short list of ingredients and prep time, this recipe can be the stand out Christmas or New Years Dish on your family table.  The cheesy topping will brown in the oven, making not only a beautiful dish but also the perfect compliment to the flawlessly cooked halibut. A touch of lemon juice will bring out that delicious, fresh halibut flavor you know and love.

Heavenly Halibut

By Allrecipes

Prep Time:  15 Minutes                                Servings: 8

Cook: 10 Minutes

Total: 25 Minutes

Ingredient List:

• 2 lbs of fresh, wild caught Tanner’s Alaskan Halibut Filets
• ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup of softened butter
• 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons of chopped green onions
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• 1 dash of hot pepper sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven broiler. Grease a baking dish.

2. In a bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese, butter, mayonnaise, lemon juice, green onions, salt, and hot pepper sauce.

3. Arrange the halibut fillets in the prepared baking dish.

4. Broil halibut fillets 8 minutes in the prepared oven, or until easily flaked with a fork. Spread with the Parmesan cheese mixture, and continue broiling 2 minutes, or until topping is bubbly and lightly browned.

Compliment your halibut main dish with braised potatoes and herbs, or your favorite side dish for a holiday meal that will leave you satisfied!

Our halibut filets are skinless and boneless: hand trimmed and packaged fresh by our team. Sustainably sourced, low in calories, and high in nutrients and omega-3’s, halibut is an unparalleled treat for your family. We immediately flash freeze our fish, so when you are ready to cook our halibut it tastes like you are eating your fresh catch in the Cook Inlet.

We know so many have had to cancel vacations and travel, so we offer a chance to feel the magic of Alaska in your own home. Just close your eyes, take a bite, and be transported to the Gulf of Alaska.

            Plan your Holiday meal with an overnight shipment of fresh caught halibut.  Want the taste of halibut without the prep time? We also sell smoked candied halibut pieces perfect for your holiday spread. Currently, with any order of 8 lbs or more of our fresh fish, we are offering free shipping.

            From our family at Tanner’s Alaskan Seafood to yours, we wish you Happy Holidays, and warmest wishes for a happy New Year.

Recipe from AllRecipes: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/76659/heavenly-halibut/

These Holiday Alaskan Salmon Recipes Will Bring Cheer to Your Table

After the difficult and uncertain year we have all had, it feels good to finally be celebrating the holidays and the start of a fresh New Year. Whatever that celebration looks like for you this year, we want to bring the beauty of Alaska to your home, with the unparalleled taste of fresh, wild caught salmon at your holiday table.

We could all use a little extra cheer, and from our family run business to you, let us add to the festivities! These holiday recipes using our fresh caught and smoked salmon will bring your family together like nothing but a delicious meal can. Pass the succulent salmon around and swap heartfelt stories, and look ahead to a New Year with hope.

 This first salmon recipe not only looks festive, but the citrus and pomegranate compliment the unmatched taste of our wild caught salmon. Treat your family to something special this holiday season:

Christmas Orange Pomegranate Salmon

By Taste of Home

Prep Time: 10 minutes                     Servings: 4                

Bake: 25 minutes

Total:  35 minutes

Ingredient List:

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 Wild Caught Tanner’s Salmon Filet (about 2 pounds)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 medium navel orange, thinly sliced
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Place a 28×18-in. piece of heavy-duty foil in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Place onion slices in a single layer on foil. Top with salmon; sprinkle with salt. Arrange orange slices over top. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds; drizzle with oil. Top with a second piece of foil. Bring edges of foil together on all sides and crimp to seal, forming a large packet.

2. Bake until fish just begins to flake easily with a fork, 25-30 minutes. Be careful of escaping steam when opening packet. Remove to a serving platter; sprinkle with dill.

This next recipe is the simplest (and possibly most delicious) recipe you’ll make all year. Made with our alder smoked salmon, this holiday spread highlights that fresh caught, perfectly smoked Alaskan salmon taste. Switch up the taste of your dip with our three flavors: Traditional, Cajun, or Black Pepper.

The taste of our smoked salmon pairs perfectly with smooth cream cheese, for an explosion of flavor on a cracker. The key? When someone asks how you made such a delicious holiday spread, act like you spent all day in the kitchen making it.

Smoked Salmon Holiday Spread

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Ingredient List:

• 1 package of cream cheese, 8 oz. softened
• 6 oz of Tanner’s smoked salmon
• 1/8 tsp paprika, for color
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients in a food processor, or by hand (after chopping smoked salmon) until just combined. That’s it!
2. Serve with your favorite crackers, and enjoy!

We hope this taste of Alaska will bring joy to your holidays at home. We know it has been a tough season, and many have not been able to travel. Our fresh, wild caught fish can make you feel like you are sitting in a fishing lodge enjoying Alaska’s best, and bring excitement as you look toward a future of new possibilities. Warmest wishes, from all of us at Tanner’s this Holiday Season.

Orange Pomegranate Recipe and Picture Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/orange-pomegranate-salmon/

SERVES 4 PREP TIME 5 minutes COOK TIME 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/3 cups orzo
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 4 (4-6 ounce) frozen Alaska cod fillets
• Sliced lemons, for squeezing over fish and serving
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes (about 10 ounces)

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook the orzo according to the package directions. When it’s done, drain and put in a large bowl. Mix in the parsley, lemon juice and zest, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt (or more to taste). Set aside.

2. Run the frozen Alaska cod fillets under cold water to remove any ice glaze and pat dry with a paper towel. Brush both sides with oil and heat a large heavy-bottomed/nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add frozen cod and cook, uncovered, about 3 to 4 minutes, until lightly browned on the bottom. Flip the cod, sprinkle with 3/4 teaspoon salt, then cover pan and reduce heat to medium. Cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, depending on thickness and doneness. Cod should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Remove from the heat, drizzle with a teaspoon or so of olive oil and a squirt of lemon and set aside.

3. Carefully wipe out the skillet. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and heat over high heat until quite hot. Add the tomatoes and cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until blistered, about 2 to 3 minutes.

4. Serve the cod with the lemon-parsley orzo, blistered tomatoes, and lemon wedges and garnish with parsley.