At the aperitif table, the smoked salmon It is usually one of the protagonists due to its flavor and versatility. However, the quality of this product may vary significantly depending on the supermarket where it is purchased. Can supermarket smoked salmon compete with more indulgent options?
To answer this question, we present in this article the results of a blind tasting of three popular smoked salmon: Mercadona, Carrefour and Alcampo. The analysis will surely surprise you.
What is the best smoked salmon in the supermarket?
He gastronomic critic Jonatan Armengolknown for its blind tastings and in-depth product reviews in the retail channel. YouTube Merca2was responsible for testing three smoked salmon options available in supermarkets: Mercadona, Carrefour and Alcampo. Your verdict? More than surprising.
He smoked salmon from Mercadona is the one who got the best score. According to Jonatan Armengol, he was distinguished by his perfect balance between aroma, texture and flavor. “The smoke is mild, just enough to enhance the flavor without overpowering it,” the reviewer commented. Furthermore, he highlighted the firm salmon texturewhich was neither too soft nor too wet, indicating a good curing process.
On the other hand, Alcampo’s option did not have the same success. Armengol harshly criticized its texture, describing it as excessively soft and moistsomething that raised doubts about its freshness. Additionally, the aroma was not the most pleasant, as it was closer to that of raw fish than properly smoked fish.
He The worst part of this tasting was without a doubt the Carrefour salmon. From the first moment, Jonatan Armengol could not hide his dissatisfaction. “This one smells like pocho fish”he declared forcefully. And he added: “If they put this on me in a restaurant, I say take it away.” Here, because they pay me, but It’s a risky sport. Can anyone verify that it is not expired?
The experience was so negative that the reviewer even suggested that health authorities re-examine the product: “This should be banned. If anyone in the healthcare industry sees this, they should stop by that supermarket and buy one. Disgusting“. Their verdict was clear: the Carrefour salmon was not only the worst, but the Armengol He didn’t even want to continue describing it. because of how unpleasant it was.
How to recognize good smoked salmon?
Armengol explains that the process of smoking salmon is an ancient technique that should not be complicated: it requires a good salmon, a mixture of salt and sugar to cure it, and a slow smoking process— The results are not always those hoped for.
A good smoked salmon it should smell sweethave a Firm texture and not too moist. But, as this tasting reveals, not all supermarkets meet these criteria.
