Ōra King Salmon is widely regarded as one of the best quality salmon available, often referred to as the "Wagyu of the sea" due to its exceptional quality and high-fat content. These farm-raised salmon, named after the Māori word "ora" meaning "fresh" or "alive," represent a product of decades of specialized breeding, ensuring a superior and consistent outcome. Ōra Kings are a result of over 18 years of classical breeding programs, creating more than 90 distinct "families" of salmon with full traceability that extends back over five generations.
Raised by the King Salmon Company in New Zealand, the world’s largest producer of farmed Kings, Ōra Kings are produced in one of the benchmarks for sustainable fish farming. They are cultivated in inland, spring-fed hatcheries before being transferred to cold, fast-running waters of Marlborough Sound, where they are raised in sheltered deep-water bays. The process emulates the life cycle of the species in the wild, transitioning from fresh water to salt, and the fish are kept at extremely low stocking densities—just 2% fish to 98% water—allowing them maximum movement in a healthful, monitored environment. Their diet consists of fully traceable ingredients, with minimal fishmeal and no GMOs, hormones, antibiotics, or chemicals, leading to a clean, oily texture with rich fats and lean muscle.
Ōra King salmon is recognized for its vibrant color, marbled fat lines, and large grow-out sizes, as well as being the fattiest and largest of all salmon species. With a flavor that’s rich, buttery, and almost silky, and a delicate, tender texture, it’s perfect for a range of preparations. When cooked, the flesh remains firm and easily separates from the skin, while raw presentations highlight a slightly sweeter element with herbal notes, making it an ideal choice for sashimi.
These salmon are a rare breed, representing less than 0.5% of the world’s total salmon population. Their rich Omega-3 fatty acids and unique flavor make them highly sought after for both their culinary versatility and nutritional value. Available fresh and whole, or as 2.5-3lb fillets, Ōra Kings arrive with gill tags for traceability, verifying their authenticity and origin. From fresh to smoked, or prepared in fillets or steaks, Ōra King salmon is an extraordinary choice for any discerning chef or seafood enthusiast.
Harvest Region: Marlborough Sounds, South Island, New Zealand
Seasonality: Year Round
Yield (Fillet Percentage): 55-60%
Flavor Profile: Rich, buttery, full. Deep pink to orange with beautiful stripes of intermuscular fat.
Texture Profile: Moderately firm; Delicate with large flakes.
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