When it comes to seafood, the Philippines is known for its diverse range of fish and shellfish. From tilapia to bangus, there’s no shortage of delicious options to choose from.
But what about salmon? Is this popular fish found in Philippine waters or is it imported?
In this article, we’ll explore the world of salmon in the Philippines and discover where you can find it, how much it costs, and what makes it such a sought-after delicacy.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to dive into the world of salmon in the Philippines.
Is There Salmon In The Philippines?
Yes, there is salmon in the Philippines, but it’s mostly imported. While there are threadfin salmon found in Philippine waters, they are not as commonly caught or consumed as other types of fish.
The most popular type of salmon in the country is the imported threadfin salmon, which can be found in many local fish markets and supermarkets. It’s typically classified as a gamefish and is one of the most popular fish varieties in the Tagalog regions.
Salmon feed on smaller fish and shrimp and are usually caught by fishermen using casting jigs and crankbaits. The most popular spot for salmon fishing is in Manila Bay, where fishermen set out anglers to chase the boils and catch up to 4 kilograms worth of salmon among other smaller species of fish.
The History Of Salmon In The Philippines
Salmon is not a native fish to the Philippines, and the history of its introduction to the country is not well-documented. However, it is known that most of the salmon consumed in the country is imported from other countries, such as Norway and New Zealand.
One company, Alliance Tuna International Inc., has even entered into a joint venture with New Zealand’s Prime Foods Ltd to import and process salmon. The salmon processing facility, located in General Santos City, is named Big Glory Salmon and Seafood Co. Inc. and is the first salmon production facility in the Philippines.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has also implemented Fisheries Administrative Order No. 195, which only allows big companies, hotels, and restaurants to sell imported fish like salmon and pampano. This policy is aimed at helping local fishermen sell their products to the market.
Despite being an imported fish, threadfin salmon has become a popular choice among Filipinos due to its taste and versatility in cooking. It can be grilled, baked, or fried and is often used in dishes such as sushi rolls and ceviche.
Where Can You Find Salmon In The Philippines?
If you’re looking to purchase salmon in the Philippines, you can find it in many local fish markets and supermarkets. The imported threadfin salmon is the most popular type of salmon and ranges from Php 1,020 to 1,200 per kilo. It’s available as a frozen whole fillet, plain vacuum packed, with skin on.
If you’re interested in catching your own salmon, Manila Bay is the most popular spot for salmon fishing. Fishermen set out anglers to chase the boils and catch up to 4 kilograms worth of salmon among other smaller species of fish. However, it’s important to note that threadfin salmon found in Philippine waters are not as commonly caught or consumed as other types of fish.
It’s also important to keep in mind that delivery options may vary depending on your location. For example, there are minimum spend requirements for free delivery and cut off times for same-day delivery. Additionally, orders cannot be canceled or exchanged once they have been shipped.
How Much Does Salmon Cost In The Philippines?
If you’re looking to purchase salmon in the Philippines, you can expect to pay between US$ 4.4 and US$ 4.65 per kilogram, or between US$ 2 and US$ 2.11 per pound. In Philippine peso, the average price is PHP 212.42 per kg. The average price for a tonne of salmon in Quezon and Manila is around US$ 4395.04. It’s worth noting that the price of salmon can vary depending on factors such as the type of salmon, where it’s imported from, and the current market demand. Additionally, some supermarkets may charge a higher price for imported salmon due to transportation and handling costs. Overall, while salmon may not be as commonly consumed in the Philippines as other types of fish, it is readily available for those who are willing to pay the cost.
The Health Benefits Of Eating Salmon
Salmon is a highly nutritious fish that offers several health benefits. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and can decrease inflammation in the body. These fatty acids also support brain health and may help protect against cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
Salmon is also an excellent source of vitamin B12, which is necessary for producing red blood cells and regulating the health of the central nervous system. Additionally, salmon is high in selenium, an important nutrient that is involved in DNA synthesis, thyroid hormone metabolism, and reproductive health.
Furthermore, salmon contains other important vitamins and minerals such as zinc, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamin D. These nutrients play crucial roles in your bodily functions, such as keeping blood and nerve cells healthy and even making DNA.
Consuming salmon regularly can also aid in good hair and skin health. The essential omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon support scalp health and give hair its shine. They also help promote the health of your skin.
Research shows that consumption of omega-3s is associated with cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, cognitive health, and protection from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Salmon’s synergistic combination of omega-3s, calcium, and vitamin D may also hold the key to strong bones.
While it is important to eat salmon in moderation due to its fat content, consuming at least two servings (a total of 8 ounces) per week can provide numerous health benefits. It is recommended to choose wild-caught salmon whenever possible to avoid potential mercury contamination from farmed salmon.
Tips For Cooking Salmon At Home
Cooking salmon at home can be intimidating, but with the right techniques, it can be a simple and delicious meal. Here are some tips for cooking salmon at home:
1. Start with fresh salmon: When buying salmon, make sure it is fresh and has a bright color. Avoid salmon that has a dull color or a strong fishy smell.
2. Cook skin-side down: When cooking salmon, always start with the skin-side down. This will help the skin to crisp up and prevent the fish from sticking to the pan.
3. Use high heat: Salmon should be cooked over high heat to create a crispy exterior and a moist interior. Cooking over low heat can result in overcooked and dry salmon.
4. Don’t overcook: Salmon should be cooked until it is just opaque in the center. Overcooking can result in dry and tough fish.
5. Season well: Don’t be afraid to season your salmon with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices. This will enhance the flavor of the fish.
6. Try different cooking methods: Salmon can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as baking, grilling, or smoking. Experiment with different methods to find your favorite way to cook salmon.
By following these tips, you can cook delicious salmon at home that is flavorful and moist.
Sustainable Salmon Farming Practices In The Philippines
While salmon farming is not yet a major industry in the Philippines, there are efforts being made towards sustainable salmon farming practices. One such effort is the use of closed containment farming methods, which prevent pollution and escaped fish from negatively impacting the surrounding environment. Recirculation systems are a type of closed aquaculture that treat and recirculate water in the system, removing waste and pollutants to prevent pollution and disease transfer from entering natural bodies of water. This method can be used on land, and the discharged water and solid waste can be used to grow plants or as fertilizer.
However, it’s important to note that sustainable salmon farming still faces challenges in the Philippines. The use of feed that comes from wild fishmeal and fish oil is required for salmon raised in recirculation systems, which jeopardizes its ability to be a sustainable farming system. Even when plant-based feed is used instead, it still has a similar environmental impact. Additionally, there are concerns about governance and irresponsible farming practices that could lead to environmental problems.
To ensure sustainable salmon farming practices in the Philippines, it’s important to recognize that farmers must earn a fair reward from fish farming while making sure that benefits and costs are shared equitably. Wealth and job creation should be promoted while ensuring that enough food is accessible to all people. The environment should be protected for the benefit of future generations, and aquaculture growth should be orderly with both authorities and industry well-organized.
