There is really nothing like a well-cooked Alaskan salmon fillet. Now matter how it is prepared, that succulent taste along with a light mixed salad is the perfect, healthy alternative to a diet bombarded with carbohydrates and meats. Many, however, are unable to tell the difference between farm-raised and wild-caught salmon, which actually poses a problem since both appear to look, and in some aspects taste, alike. With careful analysis and a little consumer information, you will know which is which and why wild Alaskan salmon is the better choice over farm raised.

One of the biggest health concerns with farm-raised salmon is the existence of PCBs, known as polychlorinated biphenyls. These are mixtures of 209 different chlorinated compounds that were once used as lubricants and coolants for transformers and similar electrical equipment. In 1977, however, the U.S. government banned the manufacturing of PCBs because of their affect on the environment and the fact that they can cause harmful effects to the health of animals. Recent studies have shown that there are high concentrations of PCBs in the food pellets for farm raised salmon, so that the fish actually absorb and carry the chemicals with them. Thus, when you eat farm-raised salmon, it is possible to accumulate and store these chemicals in your body. Wild-caught salmon possess none of these harsh chemicals.

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As overfishing has become increasingly problematic and wild fish populations less sufficient to feed the growing human population, the world has become more and more dependent on aquaculture, or fish farming. In fact, today, one out of every four fish consumed worldwide was raised on a farm. While, overall, fish farming adds to global fish resources and helps to balance out the effects of overfishing, for multiple reasons that are both nutritious and environmental, wild-caught fish are far superior to their farm-raised cousins. Therefore, you should always look for wild-caught options, like wild-caught Alaska salmon, when shopping for fish to cook for your family.

From a nutritional standpoint, it is important to note that, despite being fattier than wild fish, farmed fish provide less protein and usable Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial to the heart. Wild-caught Alaska salmon, for example has a 20% higher protein content and 20% lower fat content than their farm-raised counterparts (which are higher in harmful, pro-inflammatory Omega-6 fatty acids). Furthermore, due to feedlot conditions, which include dousing them in antibiotics and exposing them to concentrated pesticides, farm-raised fish contain contaminants and cancer-causing toxins that their wild relatives do not. Farm-raised salmon are also dyed with artificial coloring to match the pinkish tone of wild-caught salmon; otherwise, their flesh would appear an unappetizing gray color.

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When you think of Exmoor you don’t tend to think of fruit. Well maybe a few Apples, Pears, Blackberries and Raspberries but Sharcott farm of Exford grows something a little less common to the south west. The owners started a Blueberry plantation on their Exmoor farm a few years back to grow the plants up to a size which could yield a good crop. After years of battling the elements with floods and drought the farm has now hit another obstacle but this time a man made obstruction. The largest buyer of their crop has pulled out of the sale due to the recent economic crisis. Not only have they pulled out of the sale but also the equipment they offered the farm to use such as fitted crates to transport the berries

The Blueberries origins date a long way back, with native roots in Europe, Asia and the Americas. The Blueberry plant belongs to the Vaccinium family. Relatives include the Bilberry and Cranberry plants known for their medicinal properties. There are thought to around thirty species spreading worldwide. The wild Blueberry has a tart and sour taste whilst the developed hybrids are sweeter and more pleasant.

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