The Most Popular Type of Salmon, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the type you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 28, 2024 06:53
In the culinary world, different types of salmon are appreciated for their unique flavors and textures, which vary significantly depending on their origins and species. By ranking these varieties, it becomes easier for enthusiasts and casual diners alike to make informed choices, enhancing their dining experiences or simplifying their shopping trips.
A clear, crowd-sourced ranking helps highlight the preferences of a larger community, offering guidance to those new to the world of salmon. This system not only fosters a community of informed consumers but also encourages lively discussion and participation, motivating more people to share their own preferences and experiences.
What Is the Most Popular Type of Salmon?
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155votes
Hartley, William W. · Public domainThe most popular type of salmon due to its mild, buttery flavor and versatility in cooking.The Atlantic Salmon, also known as Salmo salar, is a popular species of fish found in the Atlantic Ocean and its connected rivers. It is known for its remarkable migratory behavior, as adult salmon swim upstream to spawn in the same rivers where they were born. This species plays a significant role in both recreational and commercial fishing in Canada.- Scientific Name: Salmo salar
- Habitat: Atlantic Ocean and connected rivers
- Life Span: 3 to 7 years
- Size: Typically 70 to 130 cm in length and 3.6 to 13.6 kg in weight
- Coloration: Silver-blue on the ocean, darkening to brown or red during spawning
Atlantic Salmon in other rankings- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular animal in Canada
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241votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainAlso known as King Salmon, this species is highly prized for its large size and rich flavor that is perfect for grilling or smoking.The Chinook Salmon, also known as the king salmon, is a species of fish that belongs to the salmonidae family. It is considered the largest species of Pacific salmon and is highly sought after by both recreational and commercial fishermen. The Chinook Salmon is known for its rich, buttery flavor and firm, flaky texture, making it a popular choice among seafood enthusiasts. It has a silver-blue to greenish-blue color on its back and upper sides, with silvery-white on its belly. The species can be found in the North Pacific Ocean and various freshwater rivers and streams.- Size: Adults can reach up to 58 inches (147 cm) in length
- Weight: Can weigh between 30 to 126 pounds (14 to 57 kg)
- Lifespan: Typically 3 to 7 years, but some can live up to 9 years
- Habitat: Spending most of their life in the ocean, they migrate to freshwater rivers and streams to spawn
- Feeding Habits: A diet primarily consisting of other fish, squid, and shrimp
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322votes
NOAA · Public domainOften called Silver Salmon, this species is known for its firm texture and mild flavor that makes it a great choice for grilling, baking or broiling.The Coho Salmon, also known as Silver Salmon, is a popular species of salmon found in the North Pacific Ocean and its adjacent rivers and streams. It is highly regarded for its delicious flavor and firm texture, making it a favorite among seafood lovers.- Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus kisutch
- Size: Average length of 2-3 feet (60-91 cm)
- Weight: Around 8-12 pounds (3.6-5.4 kg)
- Coloration: Bright silver with dark blue-green topside and a few black spots
- Habitat: Found in the North Pacific Ocean (from Alaska to California) and its freshwater spawning grounds
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417votesThis species is prized for its deep red flesh and rich flavor that is perfect for smoking, grilling, or baking.Sockeye Salmon, also known as Red Salmon, is a popular type of salmon that belongs to the Oncorhynchus genus. It is native to the Pacific Ocean and can be found in various regions including the western coast of North America and parts of Asia. Sockeye Salmon is highly prized for its vibrant red flesh, rich flavor, and firm texture.
- Species: Oncorhynchus nerka
- Color: Bright red flesh, white belly
- Average Weight: 4-15 lbs (1.8-6.8 kg)
- Average Length: 24-33 inches (61-84 cm)
- Life Span: 2-7 years
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511votes
A. Hoen and Co. · Public domainThis species is the most abundant type of salmon and is known for its delicate flavor and soft texture that is perfect for canning or smoking.Pink salmon, also known as humpback salmon or humpies, is the most abundant and widely distributed species of salmon. It is a small-sized species with a distinctive pink flesh and a delicate flavor. Pink salmon is highly valued for its affordability, making it a popular choice among consumers.- Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus gorbuscha
- Average Weight: 3 - 5 pounds
- Average Length: 20 - 25 inches
- Color: Bright silver/blue on the back, pink on the sides
- Habitat: Pacific Ocean, ranging from California to Alaska and across to Russia
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68votesOften referred to as a salmon, this species is actually a type of trout that has a similar flavor and texture to salmon. It is great for grilling, smoking, or baking.The Steelhead Trout is a type of anadromous (migrating between freshwater and saltwater) salmonid fish known for its metallic appearance and delicious flavor. It closely resembles the rainbow trout and is highly prized by anglers and seafood enthusiasts alike.
- Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Average Length: 24-40 inches (60-100 cm)
- Average Weight: 8-20 pounds (3.6-9 kg)
- Coloration: Silver body with greenish-blue hues
- Migratory Behavior: Anadromous (migrates from freshwater to saltwater)
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76votesAlso known as Keta Salmon, this species has a mild flavor and firm texture that makes it a great choice for smoking or baking.Chum salmon, scientifically known as Oncorhynchus keta, is a species of salmon that belongs to the salmonidae family. It is commonly found in the northern Pacific Ocean and is well-known for its distinctive appearance and extraordinary journey during the spawning season.
- Average Size: 2.8 to 12.5 kg (6 to 27.5 lbs)
- Maximum Size: Around 16 kg (35 lbs)
- Coloration: Metallic greenish-blue back, silver sides, and purple markings
- Lifespan: 3 to 5 years
- Habitat: Coastal and estuarine areas near rivers and streams
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811votesThis species is native to Japan and has a delicate flavor that is perfect for sashimi or other raw preparations. It is also great for grilling or baking.Masu Salmon, also known as Oncorhynchus masou, is a popular type of salmon that is native to the waters of Japan. It is a medium-sized salmon species that has a distinct pinkish-red flesh and a mild, delicate flavor. The Masu Salmon is highly valued for its culinary versatility and is commonly prepared in various traditional Japanese dishes.
- Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus masou
- Average Size: 60 cm (24 inches)
- Average Weight: 3 kg (6.6 lbs)
- Flesh Color: Pinkish-red
- Flavor: Mild, delicate
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914votesThis species is also native to Japan and has a sweet, delicate flavor that is perfect for sushi or sashimi.Cherry Salmon is a species of salmon known for its vibrant red color and flavorful taste. It is primarily found in the northern parts of the Pacific Ocean, particularly in Japan, Russia, and Alaska. The name 'Cherry Salmon' comes from the cherry-like red color of its flesh, which intensifies during its spawning season.
- Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus masou
- Family: Salmonidae
- Average Length: 30-80 cm
- Average Weight: 1-4 kg
- Coloration: Bright silver with blue-green back, turning cherry red during spawning
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106votes
Hartley, William W. · Public domainWhile farmed Atlantic salmon is the most popular type of salmon, wild-caught Atlantic salmon is also highly prized for its rich flavor and firm texture that makes it great for grilling or baking.Atlantic Salmon (wild-caught) is a species of fish known for its rich, buttery flavor and tender, flaky texture. It is one of the most popular types of salmon enjoyed worldwide. The flesh of the Atlantic Salmon is known for its vibrant orange color and high content of omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious choice for seafood enthusiasts.- Species: Salmo salar
- Origin: Atlantic Ocean
- Habitat: Freshwater rivers and saltwater environments
- Average Size: 5-20 pounds (2.3-9.1 kilograms)
- Maximum Size: Up to 50 pounds (22.7 kilograms)
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Ranking factors for popular type
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FlavorThe taste of the salmon is an important factor in determining its popularity. Some types of salmon have a stronger, meatier flavor, while others are milder and more delicate.
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AvailabilitySalmon can be found in different parts of the world, and some types are more readily available than others.
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Nutritional ValueThe nutritional value of the salmon is also an important consideration. Some varieties are higher in Omega-3 fatty acids and protein than others.
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PriceThe cost of salmon can vary widely depending on the type, availability, and other factors.
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Cooking VersatilitySome types of salmon are better suited to certain cooking methods, such as grilling or smoking. All of these factors can influence the popularity of a particular type of salmon.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular type of salmon. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or type is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2016 views
- 190 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each type once every 24 hours. The rank of each type is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular type of salmon
Salmon is a popular fish known for its pink, tender, and flavorful meat. There are various types of salmon, each with its distinct characteristics and flavors. These types include Chinook (King), Sockeye (Red), Coho (Silver), Pink, and Chum salmon. Among these, the most popular type of salmon is the Chinook (King) salmon, known for its rich, buttery texture and high oil content. Its flavor is often described as sweet and mild, with a delicate and flaky texture. The popularity of Chinook salmon can be attributed to its versatility in cooking and its ability to pair well with a variety of flavors and ingredients. However, each type of salmon has its unique taste and nutritional benefits, making them all a great choice for seafood lovers.
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