The quality of
the fish and choice of smoking technique determine the quality
of the end product. The best salmon for smoking is large in
size, not too thick and with sufficient fat marbling the flesh
for a smooth texture.
Smoked salmon has undergone a salt curing
and smoking process that lends a particular flavour and
texture to the fish.
The process begins by gutting and de-boning the fish which
is then covered evenly in coarse salt.
After curing, it is rinsed in water and set to dry in
warm air to eliminate any humidity thus guaranteeing the
success of the following step - smoking.
Fish can be either cold or hot smoked. However, once cured
the salmon is left in refrigerated chambers so that it
can continue to develop the aroma of the smoke and salt,
and is ready when the flesh turns a rosy-orange with a
smooth texture.