Keta Salmon 101

Keta Salmon 101: An Introduction to Keta Salmon

At Acme Smoked Fish, every species we work with tells a unique story, and keta salmon is no exception. Known for its mild flavor and lean texture, keta salmon (also called chum salmon) has long been a popular choice among fish smokehouses. While keta may not have the same name recognition as other wild salmon species, such as sockeye or coho, it holds its own as a sustainable and versatile option for those who appreciate the subtleties of wild-caught salmon. In fact, it’s this very subtlety in flavor and texture that makes keta salmon great for smoking, reserving it a place of pride in many smokehouses.

What is Keta Salmon?

Keta salmon is a species of Pacific salmon that ranges from Alaska down the West Coast of North America to California and across the Pacific to Northeastern Asia. It’s one of the larger species of salmon, second only to Chinook, and is known for its distinct appearance—metallic greenish blue with black speckles while in the ocean, transforming into bold, tiger-like stripes of red and black as it enters freshwater to spawn. Despite its larger size, keta salmon is leaner than most other species, with a lower fat content that results in a more delicate flavor.

This leanness is a distinguishing factor, particularly in comparison to richer wild salmon varieties like king salmon. Keta’s firm texture and mild taste offer a versatility that lends to smoking, baking, or grilling. And while it may be considered more affordable than its counterparts, keta salmon delivers an equally satisfying experience—especially for those who appreciate a more subtle flavor in their smoked salmon.

A Sustainable Choice



Sustainability is at the core of our seafood sourcing practices at Acme, and keta salmon plays a role in that commitment. All our keta salmon is wild caught from fisheries that are responsibly managed under U.S. and/or Canadian regulations, ensuring that each harvest is both sustainable and environmentally sound. These fisheries play an important role in the sustained health and livelihood of Alaskan coastal economies and ecosystems, so the protection of the fishery is crucial to the long-term viability of these communities.

What sets keta salmon apart is not just the sustainability of its harvest but the full traceability we offer—from the moment it’s caught to when it reaches your plate. Every step of the process, from harvest to processing to sale, is transparent and closely monitored. This level of oversight is what allows us to maintain the highest standards of quality and sustainability, ensuring that every keta smoked salmon product we offer aligns with our commitment to responsible seafood.

Culinary Versatility

Keta salmon’s mild flavor makes it an excellent base for a variety of culinary applications. Its firm texture holds up well to smoking, creating a subtle smoked salmon that pairs beautifully with a wide range of flavors. Whether you’re enjoying this smoked salmon on a bagel, incorporating it into a sandwich, or serving it alongside fresh vegetables, keta smoked salmon brings a light, refined touch to your dishes.

In addition to its meat making for an excellent smoked salmon, keta salmon is prized for its roe, known as ikura. These delicate, flavorful eggs are often enjoyed in sushi or as a garnish on salads and seafood dishes. At Acme, we’re dedicated to using as much of the fish as possible, making keta salmon a true example of responsible, thoughtful seafood consumption. We sell ikura at our weekly Fish Friday retail experience.

Why We Love Keta Salmon at Acme

Keta salmon may not be the most well-known species, or even our most used salmon species at Acme, but it’s one that we’ve come to deeply appreciate. Its mildness allows us to create smoked salmon products with a more subtle, nuanced flavor—perfect for those who want a more delicate salmon experience. But beyond its taste, it’s the sustainability and traceability that truly set keta salmon apart. In a world where responsible sourcing is more important than ever, keta salmon offers a way to enjoy high-quality seafood while knowing that you’re making a positive impact on our oceans.

Whether you’re trying keta salmon for the first time or you’re a long-time fan, we believe it’s a species that deserves recognition—not only for its culinary versatility but for the responsible practices that bring it to your table. At Acme Smoked Fish, we’re proud to offer keta salmon as part of our lineup, knowing that every bite reflects our commitment to sustainability, quality, and the careful stewardship of our oceans’ resources.

Keta Smoked Salmon Products at Acme

As we’ve stated, keta Salmon is excellent for smoking, despite its leaner texture compared to other salmon species. Whether smoked whole or as fillets, hot smoked or cold smoked, keta salmon delivers a definitive taste experience that matches any occasion. We’re particularly fond of our wild smoked salmon salad, which you can find under our Blue Hill Bay brand.

• Blue Hill Bay 7 oz. Wild Smoked Salmon Salad

Keta Smoked Salmon, In Conclusion

Keta smoked salmon at Acme represents the crossroads of a long-recognized fish harvesting and smoking tradition, and what can happen when innovative approaches are introduced. Its mild flavor, firm texture, and subtle color make it a standout choice for both cold and hot smoking, and its versatility in the kitchen ensures that it can be enjoyed in many a recipe.

Whether you’re savoring it on a bagel, schmearing it on a gourmet toast, or simply enjoying it on its own, keta smoked salmon offers a flavor experience that is both luxurious and comforting, bringing the best of the Pacific Ocean’s bounty to your table.