An ocean farming group has found that more than a third of the salmon sold in restaurants as “wild-caught” was actually raised in farms in the Atlantic.
The Oceana Save the Seas group’s report, which was based on a small sample, didn’t say if the restaurants lied to customers on purpose or if they were tricked by wholesalers.
Oceana said that 3 times as many mistakes are made when wild salmon from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest are not in season. The price of wild-caught fish is much higher than the price of farmed fish, even when the fish is in season.
It also found a high degree of fraudulent labeling in supermarkets. But diners are far more likely to be sold misidentified salmon in restaurants, Oceana concluded.
“There is still a problem with misrepresentation in the market,” the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute said in response to the Oceana study. “We suggest that food service businesses work closely with their suppliers to make sure they know where the seafood they buy comes from.” Ninety-five percent of all wild salmon harvested in the U. S. comes from Alaska and can be directly traced back to the source. ”.
That’s not all—the Institute also says that restaurants should train their waitstaff to correctly describe seafood menu items to customers. ”.
There were only 82 salmon from restaurants and supermarkets used in the study, which the group admitted was a small sample size given how popular salmon is in the US. It said that the fish were caught all over the country last winter and that DNA testing helped find out where they came from.
Overall, 43 percent of the samples were misrepresented to the consumer. 38% of the time when the fish came from restaurants, it was mistaken for more expensive wild-caught salmon. This only happened 7% of the time when the fish came from supermarkets.
“Our study shows that even though Americans love salmon, they may be falling for a bait and switch,” said Beth Lowell, senior campaign director at Oceana. “Not only are consumers getting ripped off, but responsible U. S. fishermen are being cheated when fraudulent products lower the price for their hard-won catch. ”.
Oceana’s stated aim is to foster the sustainability of the seas as a source of food.
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Longhorn Steakhouse is renowned for its delicious steaks, but they also serve up tasty salmon dishes on their menu. With many consumers becoming more conscious about where their seafood comes from, a common question is whether Longhorn Steakhouse’s salmon offerings are from wild-caught or farmed sources.
Why Wild-Caught Salmon is Preferred
Wild-caught salmon are those caught in their natural habitats like the ocean or rivers, as opposed to being raised in confined pens on salmon farms There are several advantages to wild-caught salmon over farmed
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Nutrition – Wild salmon contains more omega-3s vitamin D and antioxidants thanks to their natural diet.
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Contaminants – Farmed salmon has higher traces of PCBs dioxins and antibiotics. Wild salmon have less exposure.
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Quality – The texture and firmness of wild salmon flesh is often superior to the fattier, softer meat of farmed fish.
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Taste – Many chefs claim wild salmon has a fresher, less muddy flavor compared to farmed.
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Sustainability – Some salmon farms have issues with pollution, chemical usage and threats to wild stocks. Wild-caught fisheries are considered more eco-friendly.
So when it comes to salmon, wild-caught is widely regarded as the better option for nutrition, purity, taste and sustainability motives.
Does Longhorn Serve Wild-Caught Salmon?
Longhorn Steakhouse has confirmed that all of the salmon served in their restaurants is fresh Atlantic wild-caught salmon. This applies to popular menu items like:
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Lily’s Salmon – grilled or blackened salmon fillet with lemon butter
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Salmon Rockefeller – Atlantic salmon topped with crab, creamed spinach and cheese
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Baked Salmon – Atlantic salmon baked with garlic herb butter
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Salmon Salad – grilled salmon served over fresh greens
Longhorn stated that their salmon comes from sustainable fisheries in the waters of the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Norway. These northern Atlantic regions are known for well-managed, high quality wild salmon populations.
So while Longhorn is famous for steak, you can enjoy their wild-caught salmon offerings guilt-free.
Health Benefits of Wild Salmon
By using wild-caught salmon, the salmon entrees at Longhorn Steakhouse provide numerous health perks like:
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Omega-3s – Wild salmon contains anti-inflammatory omega-3s that benefit heart health.
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Protein – A 6 oz salmon fillet provides over 30 grams of muscle-building, satisfying protein.
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Vitamin D – Wild salmon is one of the few natural sources of vitamin D for immune regulation and bone health.
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Selenium – Salmon provides this essential antioxidant mineral.
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Astaxanthin – The pigment in wild salmon has potent anti-inflammatory antioxidant effects.
Eating wild-caught salmon just twice per week supplies a plethora of anti-inflammatory, heart-healthy fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals.
Tips for Ordering Wild Salmon at Longhorn
Here are some tips for maximizing the benefits of the wild salmon at Longhorn Steakhouse:
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Request grilled preparation instead of blackened to preserve more omega-3s.
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Opt for simple dishes like Lily’s Salmon or Baked Salmon instead of heavy sauces.
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Ask for light or no butter to reduce saturated fat and calories.
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Pair with a fresh side salad and brown rice for a balanced meal.
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Inquire about lower calorie lemon or chimichurri sauce instead of hollandaise.
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Order a lunch portion or half serving to limit intake to the recommended 5-6 oz.
While Longhorn is known for indulgence, you can make smart choices like wild salmon work within a healthy lifestyle.
Other Restaurants Serving Wild-Caught Salmon
In addition to Longhorn, many popular chain restaurants now serve sustainably caught wild salmon:
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Red Lobster – Uses North American wild-caught salmon, never farmed or frozen.
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Carrabba’s – Serves wood-grilled, wild-caught Key West pink salmon.
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Bonefish Grill – Sources Atlantic salmon rated green by Monterey Bay Seafood Watch.
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Seasons 52 – New menu includes miso-glazed sustainable king salmon.
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Cheesecake Factory – Offers Skuna Bay wild salmon at select locations.
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Yard House – Wild herb salmon with lemon garlic aioli on the menu.
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First Watch – Breakfast Salmon Flatbread features wild-caught Alaskan salmon.
As consumer awareness grows, menus continue expanding with eco-friendly wild-caught seafood like salmon.
The Verdict on Longhorn’s Salmon
When you order salmon at Longhorn Steakhouse, you can be assured it is responsibly sourced wild Atlantic salmon from Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Choosing grilled preparations with lighter sides results in a satisfying, health-conscious meal. While Longhorn will always be a steakhouse first and foremost, they serve a reputable wild-caught salmon option that provides diners with the benefits of this omega-3 rich fish.
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CEO Julie Masino said that the 55-year-old brand plans to spend the next fiscal year testing what the idea should become so that it can help guests, employees, and shareholders all at the same time.
For the most part, gas prices have been going down all year. In some states, they are below $3 per gallon. Will that give operators a sales boost?.
As chains add more and more technology to get people in the door, they might want to take a look at what’s going on at the coffee shop giant.
Farm Raised Salmon EXPOSED…what you’re actually eating.
FAQ
What kind of salmon does Longhorn Steakhouse use?
How can you tell if salmon is farmed or wild?
Which salmon is always wild caught?
Is it OK to eat wild caught salmon?
How do you know if salmon is wild?
If you’re ordering it at a restaurant, you can spot wild salmon even before you taste it — because the menu will say so. “Wild caught fish are a selling point, so if the description doesn’t say wild, 9 out of 10 times it’s farm-raised,” says Miller. There are also trusted brands, such as Copper River Salmon, that you can ask for by name.
Is wild salmon extinct?
Wild salmon is almost extinct on the East Coast and, the Times reported, West Coast wild catches are restricted by quotas. As a result, 90 percent of the salmon sold in the United States is farmed.
Is farmed salmon being passed off as wild salmon?
I read that The New York Times has reported that farmed salmon is being passed off as wild salmon, even in some pretty fancy stores at very fancy prices. How can I tell whether the salmon I’m buying is wild or farmed? The New York Times story (published on April 10, 2005) certainly is a cautionary tale.
Is farmed salmon better than wild salmon?
Generally, farmed salmon is milder, while wild salmon, depending on the type of wild salmon, has a fuller flavor.” Rawn also shared a great tip to keep in mind when preparing your salmon. “Wild salmon also tends to be a bit leaner than farmed salmon, and because of that it is a bit easier to overcook.”