Are you a fan of salmon? Do you enjoy dining at Outback Steakhouse?
If so, you may be wondering if the salmon served at Outback is wild caught or farm raised. Recent studies have shown that mislabeling of salmon is a common issue in the seafood industry, with more than a third of salmon sold in restaurants as wild caught actually being farm raised.
So, what about Outback’s salmon? In this article, we’ll dive into the facts and help you determine whether the salmon at Outback is truly wild caught or not.
Let’s get started!
Is Outback Salmon Wild Caught?
After conducting research, we have found that Outback Steakhouse serves Norwegian salmon, which is farm raised in the Atlantic Ocean. This means that the salmon served at Outback is not wild caught.
It’s important to note that mislabeling of salmon is a common issue in the seafood industry, and even restaurants may not be aware that they are serving farm raised salmon instead of wild caught. However, as consumers, it’s important to be informed about the source of our food and make choices accordingly.
The Importance Of Knowing If Your Salmon Is Wild Caught Or Farm Raised
When it comes to choosing between wild caught and farm raised salmon, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, the nutritional value of the fish can vary depending on whether it was caught in the wild or raised on a farm. Wild caught salmon tends to have lower levels of saturated fat and higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, while farm raised salmon can contain higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids and may be more prone to disease due to farming conditions.
Another important consideration is the presence of contaminants in the fish. Both wild caught and farm raised salmon can contain mercury and other pollutants, but some studies have shown that farm raised salmon may be more likely to contain higher levels of contaminants. It’s worth noting, however, that the specific source of the fish can play a role in this as well.
Sustainability is another factor to consider when choosing between wild caught and farm raised salmon. Some types of wild caught salmon are considered environmentally restorative, while others may be overfished or unsustainable. Similarly, some fish farms may use more sustainable practices than others, so it’s important to do your research on the specific source of the fish.
Finally, cost and taste are factors that may influence your decision between wild caught and farm raised salmon. Wild caught salmon is typically more expensive than farm raised options, but many people prefer the taste of wild caught fish.
Ultimately, the choice between wild caught and farm raised salmon comes down to personal preference and priorities. By being informed about the pros and cons of each option, you can make a choice that aligns with your values and supports your health and well-being.
Understanding The Difference Between Wild Caught And Farm Raised Salmon
When it comes to salmon, there are two main types available: wild caught and farm raised. Wild caught salmon is caught in its natural habitat, such as oceans, rivers, and lakes. On the other hand, farm raised salmon is bred and raised in controlled environments, such as tanks or freshwater enclosures.
One of the biggest differences between wild caught and farm raised salmon is their diet. Wild caught salmon eat a natural diet of organisms found in their environment, which can include crustaceans, algae, and other sources that are rich in carotenoids. This gives their flesh a rich pink color that is completely natural. In contrast, farm raised salmon are given a processed diet that is high in fat and protein. The farmers feed them chum that contains corn, grains, and a compound called astaxanthin, which is what turns the flesh orange. While synthetic astaxanthin is currently deemed safe to eat by the USDA, there are ongoing studies to determine any long-term effects on our health.
Another difference between the two types of salmon is their location. Wild caught salmon is typically sourced from the Pacific Ocean during the summer months, while farm raised salmon is usually sourced from the Atlantic Ocean and can be available fresh throughout the year. This also affects their price point, as wild caught salmon can be more expensive due to its limited availability.
Flavor and texture are also notable differences between wild caught and farm raised salmon. Wild caught salmon has a more robust flavor and is often firmer and less fatty than its farm raised counterpart. Farm raised salmon has a higher fat content, which makes it more tender but also milder in flavor.
Lastly, sustainability is an important factor to consider when choosing between wild caught and farm raised salmon. Some types of wild caught salmon are considered unsustainable due to overfishing or other environmental factors. On the other hand, some types of farm raised salmon are considered environmentally restorative.
Outback’s Salmon Sourcing And Sustainability Practices
Outback Steakhouse is part of the Bloomin’ Brands group of restaurants, which has committed to sourcing seafood from sustainable sources and working with suppliers using responsible fishing practices. However, it is unclear whether the salmon served at Outback Steakhouse is sustainably sourced or not. The restaurant chain does not disclose information about the sources of its seafood on its website or its menus.
It’s important to note that sustainability continues to be a driver when it comes to buying and menuing seafood. However, the criteria for sustainable seafood can be confusing to many operators. While entities like the Marine Stewardship Council, Blue Ocean Institute, and Monterey Bay Aquarium have issued guidelines and lists, compromises have to be made to get food on plates.
One way for restaurants to prioritize sustainability is by seeking out underutilized wild species from local or small-scale fisheries. Another way is by prioritizing wild, domestic seafood with one of the third-party sustainability certifications that Practice Greenhealth determined to be meaningful as a baseline for all seafood purchases.
It’s also worth noting that sustainability practices can extend beyond just sourcing seafood. For example, Postino, a restaurant chain in the US, targets old buildings and collects cassette tapes to cut down on waste and reduce the need to build new restaurants or buy new decor items. This is still sustainability, just a different shade of it.
How To Identify Wild Caught Salmon At Outback
If you’re looking to order wild caught salmon at Outback Steakhouse, unfortunately, it won’t be possible. As mentioned earlier, Outback serves farm raised Norwegian salmon. However, if you’re interested in identifying wild caught salmon elsewhere, there are a few things to look out for.
Firstly, if the salmon is labeled as Alaskan, it is most likely wild caught as fish aquaculture is not permitted in Alaska. Additionally, wild caught salmon will have a deeper reddish-orange hue compared to the lighter and more pink color of farm raised salmon. Wild caught salmon will also have less fatty marbling in its flesh since they are constantly swimming upstream and fighting against currents.
Another thing to keep in mind is that wild caught salmon has a more complex and savory flavor compared to farm raised salmon which can taste bland in comparison. So if you’re looking for a more flavorful and healthy option, always opt for wild caught salmon.
Other Sustainable Seafood Options At Outback
While Outback Steakhouse may not serve wild caught salmon, there are still sustainable seafood options available on their menu. The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program provides a helpful guide for choosing sustainable seafood options. Some of the most sustainable picks include farmed favorites such as tilapia and arctic char, as well as wild-caught stars like albacore tuna and rockfish.
It’s important to keep in mind that the Seafood Watch list is updated roughly once a month, so it’s a good idea to check back frequently to see if there have been any changes in the rankings. By choosing sustainable seafood options, we can help protect the environment and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy delicious seafood.
