Fresh Food

Verlasso, which bills itself as “the world’s first provider of harmoniously raised fish,” has launched its premium salmon (left) with online grocer FreshDirect, the first retailer in the United States to offer the product.

“Salmon, like people, get their omega-3s from their diets,” explained Scott Nichols, director of Miami-based Verlasso, a brand and trademark of AquaChile. “Currently, these omega-3s come from fish oils provided by wild-caught feeder fish. Our most significant farming innovation is that we use 75 percent fewer feeder fish to produce healthy salmon rich in omega-3s.”

In addition to the ground-breaking reduction of feeder fish, Verlasso’s farming practices fundamentally change the relationship between salmon farming and the oceans in the following ways:

• Verlasso salmon are raised in the waters of southern Patagonia, away from industrial development, ensuring a healthier salmon
• Verlasso salmon swim freely in spacious pens -- fewer than four fish per ton of water --resulting in a leaner fish than traditionally farmed salmon
• Every phase of the salmon's life, from egg to harvest, is accounted for, which means integrity and freshness all the way to the consumer
• Growth hormones are never used, so the fish grow at their own natural rate

“We want our customers … to have access to the freshest and most sustainable seafood options to feed their families a healthy, great tasting product,” said Maggie Moon, nutritionist at Long Island City, N.Y.-based FreshDirect.
Added FreshDirect Seafood Category Manager Jeff Ludwin: “Verlasso offers our customers a quality sustainable salmon that is unmatched in the marketplace.”

Freshly cut-to-order Verlasso salmon is now available through the online grocer. Additionally, recipes, videos, and cooking and pantry tips using the salmon can be found at www.verlasso.com.