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Nordic Catch

Wild Ivory King Salmon (5.5oz portion)

Wild Ivory King Salmon (5.5oz portion)

One of the rarest forms of wild salmon available. This Ivory King Salmon is troll-caught off Vancouver Island and prized for its naturally pale flesh, clean flavor, buttery richness, and remarkably delicate finish. Each 5.5oz portion offers the richness of wild King salmon with a milder, more refined flavor than traditional red-fleshed Chinook.

Regular price $29.00
Regular price Sale price $29.00
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  • Single-serve, individual portions
  • Airtight seal to protect in freezer for 6 months
  • Buy in Bulk & Save available!

What Is Ivory King Salmon?

Ivory King Salmon—also known as White King Salmon—is not a separate salmon species. It is a rare, naturally occurring variation of wild Chinook salmon.

Most King salmon store the red-orange carotenoid pigments found in their natural diet. Ivory Kings inherit a recessive trait that prevents those pigments from accumulating in their flesh, producing colors that can range from creamy white to pale pink or naturally marbled.

They are still true wild King salmon, with a similar nutritional composition to their red-fleshed counterparts.


Why Is Ivory King Salmon So Rare?

Across the region stretching from British Columbia to Southeast Alaska, only about 5% of the overall King salmon population is estimated to carry the trait responsible for white flesh, although percentages can vary between individual river systems.

The rarity is compounded by one important fact: Ivory Kings cannot reliably be identified from the outside. Their true color is generally discovered only after the fish has been caught and cleaned.

Fishermen therefore cannot simply target Ivory King Salmon. Each one appears by chance within an already limited wild Chinook harvest, making supply scarce, inconsistent, and impossible to guarantee.

That unpredictable availability—not simply the unusual color—is what commands the premium price.


Troll-Caught off Vancouver Island

These wild King salmon are harvested by commercial trollers off Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Trollers use hooks and lines to bring salmon aboard individually rather than harvesting them in large nets. Each fish is reeled in one at a time and can be cleaned, chilled, or frozen shortly after landing, supporting careful handling and exceptional quality.

This method is especially fitting for a fish as rare and valuable as Ivory King Salmon.


Clean, Delicate Flavor

Ivory King Salmon offers the natural richness expected from Chinook, but with a notably clean and elegant flavor.

Expect:

  • buttery, tender texture
  • mild and refined salmon flavor
  • clean finish
  • natural richness
  • large, delicate flakes

It is an excellent choice for customers who enjoy the richness of King salmon but prefer a less pronounced salmon flavor.


Natural Color Variation

Because this is a completely natural wild fish, the color will vary from portion to portion.

Individual pieces may appear:

  • creamy ivory
  • nearly white
  • pale peach or pink
  • marbled with both ivory and pink tones

This variation is normal and does not indicate a difference in freshness or quality. It reflects the individual fish’s inherited ability to process the natural pigments in its diet.


Convenient 5.5oz Portions

Each piece is cut into an approximately 5.5oz portion, consistent with Nordic Catch’s other premium portioned seafood.

The individual serving size makes it easy to prepare a restaurant-quality meal without breaking down a larger fillet.


How to Prepare

Ivory King Salmon is best prepared simply so its clean flavor remains the focus.

Pan-Seared

Pat the salmon dry and sear until lightly golden. Finish gently to keep the center moist and tender.

Oven-Roasted

Roast at moderate heat with sea salt, olive oil, and lemon until the flesh separates into delicate flakes.

Grilled

Brush lightly with oil and grill over medium heat. Avoid intense marinades that could overpower its subtle flavor.

Lightly Poached

Poach gently in seasoned broth, olive oil, or butter for an especially tender result.

Avoid overcooking. Ivory King Salmon is at its best when the center remains moist and the natural oils are preserved.


Why It Commands a Premium

This is not standard King salmon with a different appearance.

Its price reflects:

  • the rarity of the inherited ivory trait
  • unpredictable availability
  • limited wild Chinook harvests
  • selective troll fishing
  • individual handling
  • premium portioning
  • unusually clean flavor and distinctive appearance

Ivory King Salmon is a true seasonal delicacy rather than an everyday commodity.


Product Details

Product: Vancouver Island Troll-Caught Ivory King Salmon
Also Known As: White King Salmon
Species: Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Origin: Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Harvest Method: Wild, troll-caught
Cut: Individual portion
Portion Size: Approximately 5.5oz
Flesh Color: Naturally ivory, pale pink, or marbled
Packaging: Individually vacuum packed
Availability: Extremely limited and dependent on the wild catch


Storage and Handling

Keep refrigerated or frozen according to the condition in which your order arrives.

For frozen portions, thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, keep refrigerated and prepare promptly for the best texture and flavor.

Preparation tips

KEEP FROZEN UNTIL READY TO ENJOY!

Thaw slowly, like overnight in the refrigerator, and enjoy same-day. Or, you can thaw it faster by placing the packaged portion in a bowl of ice water for about an hour.

Source

Sourced from the cold, pristine waters of the North Pacific Ocean using traditional hook-and-line methods, handled one fish at a time for superior quality and freshness.

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Feeder King vs Wild Alaska King Salmon

Not all wild king salmon is harvested at peak eating quality. Timing makes a difference. Here’s how feeder salmon compares to peak season runs.

Type Fat Content Texture Flavor Best Use
Feeder King Salmon Higher, well-developed marbling Firm, rich, well-conditioned Buttery, clean, more balanced Searing, grilling, premium dishes
Wild Alaska King Salmon Variable, often leaner during migration Softer, less structured Milder, sometimes less refined General cooking, broader use

Feeder King Salmon

FAQ - Wild Alaskan King Salmon

What is “feeder king salmon”?

Feeder king salmon refers to salmon harvested while actively feeding in cold ocean waters, rather than during spawning migration. This results in fish that are in peak condition, with higher fat content and better overall quality.

How is feeder salmon different from regular wild salmon?

Winter feeder salmon typically have:

  • higher natural fat content
  • firmer, more structured texture
  • richer, more balanced flavor

Salmon caught during peak migration can be leaner and less consistent in texture.

What does troll-caught mean?

Troll-caught refers to a traditional hook-and-line fishing method where salmon are caught individually.

This allows for:

  • careful handling
  • less stress on the fish
  • better texture and appearance
  • more consistent quality

It’s widely considered one of the best harvest methods for premium salmon.

Is this better than farmed salmon?

They offer different experiences.

  • Wild king salmon: more natural flavor, firmer texture, seasonal variation
  • Farmed salmon: more consistent fat content and milder flavor

Winter feeder king salmon stands out among wild options for its richness and quality.

Why is king salmon considered premium?

King salmon (Chinook) naturally contains more fat than other wild salmon species, resulting in:

  • richer flavor
  • larger flake
  • more tender texture

It’s widely regarded as the highest-quality wild salmon.

Why does this salmon taste cleaner than others?

The combination of cold-water environment, natural diet, and careful handling results in a clean, ocean-forward flavor without the muddy or overly fishy notes sometimes found in lower-quality fish.

Is wild Alaska salmon sustainable?

Yes. Alaska fisheries are among the most strictly managed in the world, with a strong focus on sustainability and long-term population health.