When it comes to ordering salmon at a deli, the terms can be confusing. Is there a difference between lox and smoked salmon? Are they the same thing? To clear up the confusion, let's take a closer look at what exactly smoked salmon is and how it differs from other types of salmon.
Is Smoked Salmon Different from Regular Salmon?
Yes, smoked salmon is different from regular salmon. While regular salmon is simply fresh fish, smoked salmon goes through a unique process to enhance its flavor and extend its shelf life.
Smoke Makes the Difference
The key difference between smoked salmon and regular salmon lies in the smoking process. Regular salmon is typically fresh and unprocessed, while smoked salmon is cured or brined and then smoked.
Lox, on the other hand, is a specific type of smoked salmon. It is made from the fatty belly of salmon and salt-cured for about three months. Lox has a rich, buttery texture and a strong salty flavor.
Nova smoked salmon, often referred to as nova lox, is another type of smoked salmon. It is made from an entire side of salmon and goes through a curing process that can vary depending on the size of the fish. Smaller salmon are salt-cured, while larger ones are halved and brined in a saltwater solution.
Both lox and Nova smoked salmon have a silky, buttery texture, but lox is typically saltier, while Nova has a distinct smokiness.
Cold-Smoked vs. Hot-Smoked
Smoked salmon can be further categorized into cold-smoked and hot-smoked varieties. Cold-smoked salmon, like Nova, is smoked at a temperature of 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit for about 18 hours. This process yields a delicate, lox-like texture.
Hot-smoked salmon, also known as kippered salmon, is smoked at a higher temperature of around 145 degrees Fahrenheit for up to eight hours. It has a flaky texture similar to cooked salmon and is often sold in thick portions rather than thin slices.
Where Does Gravlax Fit In?
Gravlax is another type of cured salmon that is not smoked. It is a Scandinavian specialty made by curing the fish with a mixture of salt, sugar, dill, and other spices. Gravlax has a unique flavor profile and is often enjoyed with a mustard-dill sauce.
Where Does Smoked Salmon Come From?
Smoked salmon can come from various sources, including wild salmon from Alaska and farmed salmon from countries like Norway and Chile. The term nova smoked salmon originally referred to salmon from Nova Scotia waters, but it now generally refers to the cold-smoked style.
In conclusion, smoked salmon is a delicious and versatile seafood option that undergoes a curing and smoking process to enhance its flavor and prolong its shelf life. Whether you prefer the saltiness of lox or the smokiness of Nova, smoked salmon is a popular choice for bagels, salads, and other dishes. So, the next time you order salmon at a deli, you'll know exactly what to ask for!
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