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Questions &
answers...
Q. Is there really
a difference between "Wild" and "Farmed" Salmon?
A. Yes! Wild salmon are completely naturally reared fish whose
life-cycle takes them on an enormous journy from the freshwater river
and streams where they hatch and eventually return to breed, to the waters
of the North Atlantic, where they feed on oil-rich capelin, sand eel and
krill. (See our Smoked Wild Salmon page for
more information)
Farmed salmon in contrast live
their entire lives in an artificial environment. Beginning life in a freshwater,
land-based hatchery, they are fattened on an artifical diet in net cages
suspended in coastal waters. As a result they do not experience the strong
sea currents their wild cousins do, resulting in softer, more flacid flesh.
Often they experience conditions of overcrowding leading to physical damage.
In addition, the incidence of pests and diseases which tends to increase
in these conditions are commonly controlled through the use of antibiotics
and other inputs into feed, which may find their way into the flesh of
the fish. There is much debate about the qualitative differences between
wild and farmed fish, but that differences exist is not disputed.
Organically certified salmon
are also farmed but under strictly controlled conditions which are intended
to minimise or remove any negative impacts of the 'farming' process for
both the fish and the environment. For more information please see our
page on Organic Smoked Salmon.
Q. How long will my Smoked Salmon keep?
A. We normally despatch our smoked salmon within 24 hours of it being
smoked. When you receive it, it can be kept chilled for up to 28 days;
however, we recommend freezing it if you do not wish to eat it within
a few days of arrival. While freezing the fish will not leave it entirely
unchanged, it is generally felt to do the taste and texture of the fish
no harm. This is especially because as part of the smoking process the
water content of the flesh is significantly reduced.
Q. How do I slice my salmon - or is it already sliced?
A. We can supply you with pre-sliced smoked salmon,however we do feel
that the fish holds its texture and overall identity better if kept whole.
If you follow these brief instructions,
slicing our smoked salmon is very simple!
| 1. Firstly,
take the longest, thinnest and sharpest knife you have. |
| 2. Remove the side
from its bag an hour before slicing, but keep chilled. |
| 3. Remove pin bones
which run down the centre of the side, with long nosed pliers, or
tweezers. |
| 4. Start slicing 4"
- 5" (10cm - 13cm) back from the tail at an acute (very shallow)
angle towards the end of the tail, producing a long thin slice. |
| 5. Slice by slice,
work your way backwards to the shoulder of the side, always cutting
towards the tail! Adjust the angle of your slice to get the length
and thickness of the slice required. Some people like it paper thin,f
and others like to feel the texture. (It is all a matter of taste!!) |
Q. How should I serve Ummera
Smoked Salmon?
A. To enjoy the true flavour, a squeeze of lemon juice, a grain of
pepper, and brown bread and butter. No more!! Some people prefer not to
include the bread and butter, eating the salmon alone or with a simple
salad. Of course, you can embellish your salmon as much as you want, but
with a product this fine you certainly don't need to!
Q. Are any preservatives used in Ummera Smoked Salmon?
A. There are NO artificial preservatives in any Ummera products. The
salt and oak smoke used in production are both natural preservatives,
and their use was developed traditionally exactly for this purpose (see
our Wild Salmon page for more details).
Q. What wine do you recommend with your smoked salmon?
A. One with sufficient acidity to counterbalance the oil in the salmon,
but with the flavour to complement the smoked salmon! Wine merchants recommend
a gewürztraminer, but a Pinot Grigio from Italy can work very well.
In Scotland, they take a "Ball o' Malt"!
Q. How do I know that my Smoked Salmon order will be delivered on time?
A. We use international couriers who use the most modern technology to ensure safe and prompt delivery. Check out our Delivery
page for more information.
(Within Ireland deliveries are normally by Fastway Courier.)
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