Atlantic salmon

In French

Saumon atlantique

Scientific name

Salmo salar

In the water

An anadromous fish of the north-east Atlantic; born in rivers, it grows at sea and returns to freshwater to spawn. French coasts, English Channel and North Sea.

Season & buying

Availability varies by stock and fishing area; ask the fishmonger about origin, season and catch method.

Common length

~38 cm

How to identify it

Streamlined silver body
Blue-green back, silvery flanks and belly
Small adipose fin behind the dorsal fin

On the plate

Pink, fatty and delicate flesh with a mild, slightly briny flavour.

Avoid: Cooking it too long: the flesh becomes dry and loses its tenderness.

After years at sea, salmon often return to the river where they were born to spawn.

In Umay recipes

20 Umay recipes call for it.

Crispy Panko-Crusted Salmon FilletHomemade Hot-Smoked SalmonSalmon Pasta with Creamy Tomato SauceMiso SalmonCreamy salmon, leek, and cancoillotte pastaTemakizushi (Nori Wraps)Salmon and Mango TiraditoNikkei Salmon TiraditoReheated salmon rice bowl with sriracha mayoSmoked salmon and cream cheese bagelGrilled Salmon With Dill ChimichurriSalmon and Sweet Potato CroquettesLohikeitto (Finnish creamy salmon soup)Salmon poke bowlHomemade Sushi (Salmon-Avocado Maki and Nigiri)Complete Japanese BreakfastCharcoal-grilled teriyaki salmon, cucumber picklesOchazukeOnigiriPerfectly cooked salmon, crispy andouille and Comté, lemon smoked ribbons