In Season: Wild Alaska Salmon

Summer is in full swing. Just when you thought you couldn't manage to fit more on your grill amid the ribs, sausages, and hot dogs, along comes the salmon. And they're wild... which is a delicious thing! 

Click here to see the In Season: Wild Alaska Salmon Slideshow

Applauded for their immense health benefits, wild salmon from the icy, clear waters of Alaska are a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids and support heart health.

Salmon is also a versatile, smart choice for summer barbecues or light family meals, as it can be easily grilled, broiled, roasted, or poached. Where the fish was caught and its level of maturity affects how it will taste as well, which is something we take very seriously at Whole Foods Market. 

Where can you find the best wild Alaskan salmon? Shop at a store where you know there is only one degree of separation between the fishermen on the water and the fishmongers in the stores, and where port buyers hand-select the highest-quality salmon throughout the season to deliver the freshest fish to shoppers.

Stores partnered up with organizations such as Blue Ocean Institute and Monterey Bay Aquarium are good places to shop to ensure that the salmon comes from fisheries rated either green or yellow for sustainability and environmental protection so you can feel comfortable knowing the fish comes from fisheries that are not been overfished or caught in ways that are harmful to the environment.

Now is the time to take advantage of the succulent, sought-after summer bounty of the freshest wild Alaska salmon out there.

Be sure to look through the slideshow for some of my tried-and-true wild salmon recipes for summer.

David Pilat, global seafood buyer for Whole Foods Market