When you are asked to taste test smoked salmon you really do have to say yes. But when you are asked to taste smoked salmon from a traditional family business based in Scotland (the home of smoked salmon) and purveyors to Her Majesty the Queen, then that has to be a hell yes!
That’s the lucky position I found myself in. John Ross Jr is a family owned fish smokers based in Scotland. They have been producing smoked salmon since 1857, using 19th Century red brick kilns to smoke with oak chippings.
I love high quality products using sustainable, local produce and traditional techniques, even better when they have significant heritage and expertise.
Smoked salmon is an amazing product which has its place in the highest echelons of luxury foodstuffs. But not all smoked salmon is created equal. Opening the John Ross Jr pack the care taken in preparation and the quality of the product is obvious
That smoky smell hits your nose as you peel the soft salmon slices from the pack, the beautiful orangey-pink translucent colour shines and glistens like a salmony beacon lighting your way to a taste sensation.
To put it through its paces I decided to eat it my favourite three ways. First I feel it would be a crime not to try something as special as this salmon naked, with nothing to get in the way of its flavour and texture.
The depth of smokiness really hits you first chew it, you really can taste that oak smoke, I imagined the salmon hanging up in those kiln slowly smoking…I’m such an old romantic! The salmon then starts to dissolve in your mouth filling it with a wonderfully oily fish flavour, it is so rich and satisfying. It’s fantastic on its own, so let’s see how it works other ingredients.
Next up is on a bagel with cream cheese. This is a classic way of turning smoked salmon into a substantial snack or lunch. That deep smokiness worked perfectly, cutting through the cream cheese and the slightly sweet flavour of the bagel. The triptych of textures are one of the reasons people love this little sandwich, it’s basically three different levels of soft and creamy all coming together perfectly.
Now for everybody’s favourite luxury breakfast. Yep, it’s smoked salmon with scrambled eggs. I wonder how many of you have made this dish for your partner on their birthday, anniversary or Valentine’s day morning?
I simply lightly beat the eggs in a bowl with a pinch of ground white pepper and sea salt, then melt a knob of butter in a pan on a moderate heat and add the eggs. Cook them how you like them, I like mine to be still extremely soft. When you are almost done cooking add the chopped up smoked salmon, once the fish has all changed colour to salmon pink (hence the name!) you’re done so serve immediately.
This salmon worked really well in this dish, some lesser smoked salmon can be almost “lost” in the eggs, but this married brilliantly with them. The deep oaky flavour mixed with rich creamy eggs is making my mouth water again just writing about it!
Smoked salmon is something Scotland can claim as their own and produce the best in the World in my opinion, and John Ross Jr’s product is at the top of the tree.
It is also an affordable luxury when you compare the price to other foods or drinks that you would say in the same breath. Think Champagne, caviar, truffles, all of these products live in the same neighbourhood as smoked salmon but can empty your wallet just reading the label. But smoked salmon really does offer great value, not only that but you get to support a great Scottish institution!
Check out John Ross Jr and you will see how affordable their products are, the 200g pack they sent me is listed on their website at just £5.99! They can even deliver anywhere on mainland England, Scotland and Wales.
So you have no excuse not to treat yourself and make the next special occasion really special by going for the best. And when it comes to smoked salmon John Ross Jr is hard to beat!
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Thanks for the great blog Michael, I am now thinking of a smoked salmon lunch…
Sounds like a good plan! Thanks for the kind comment 🙂
Mmm smoked salmon and scrambled eggs! one of my favourite dishes. The girls are making scrambled eggs for lunch I wonder if requesting smoked salmon with it as well is a bit much?
Sarah recently posted..#Blogging: My niche is saturated
Sarah, Definitely get them to add some smoked salmon…there is something about eggs and smoked fish that works so well 🙂
Wild or farmed, Michael?
I love wild (er, salmon that is) but it’s near enough twice the price of farmed, isn’t it?
I also prefer a gently smoked salmon …
Smoked salmon on fairly thin wholemeal brown bread (toasted optional) with lemon and black pepper, together with a glass of champagne, has been a lubbly-jubbly 26th December late morning tradition with us for many years. I’m starting to swoon already… 🙂
Linda Mattacks recently posted..Autumn Pleasures.
Linda, It’s sustainable farmed salmon. I have actually taste tested wild and farmed side by side and think farmed has a better “softer” texture. I did have some of the salmon with some lemon and black pepper but didn’t mention it in the post, it’s a classic and a great tradition to have 🙂
Michael,
You’re such a tease. Smoke salmon doesn’t ship well to the States. Your description of melt in your mouth fish brings back wonderful memories of Sunday mornings when my father would make a nova and bagel run. Yum.
I like to add a bit of onion my nova and bagel. Heading to South Florida next weekend and while it may not be fit for a Queen I’m sure we’ll find a tasty memory.
Best,
RICK
Rick Lelchuk recently posted..Is this a Good Meal?
Rick, Onion sounds like an interesting addition, I will give it a try! Enjoy your trip to Fl, I’m sure you will find plenty of delicious things 🙂
Michael, That smoked salmon sounds delicious! I love having it mixed in scrambled eggs too. I also like it on top of romaine lettuce with cream cheese and red onion slices. I roll it up and it makes a great snack that is so satisfying. Yum!! I’m so glad to know that there salmon is sustainable that is so important.
Shelley, Sounds a great way to eat it, fresh and healthy! I must try it 🙂
Oh dear, iam not a fish eater.. wish I was because of the healthy nutrients … but I have a question for you … what kind of foods/recipes can you eat that are low in salt and sugar? And how is your magazine doing? I love it 🙂
Lesly Federici recently posted..What If You Don’t Use Video
Lesly, Thank you the magazine has done great 🙂 There are too many options for healthy eating to list. If you are making a recipe yourself from fresh foods then you have total control over the amount of salt or sugar going into them…so get cooking! 🙂
I love smoked salmon. I haven’t tried it with scrambled eggs yet. The picture looks so appetizing that I can’t wait to buy smoked salmon now and add it to scrambled eggs!
Cherrie Bautista recently posted..Powerful Me! Has Finally Launched
Cherrie, You just must try it with scrabbled eggs, it works so well! Tell me how you liked it 🙂
Hi Michael,
smoked salmon is a real treat.
I remember 40 years ago when we used to buy it in tiny jars in Germany, it was almost as expensive as caviar.
My favorite is a croissant with smoked salmon, cucumber lettuce and aioli.
Cooked salmon never really did it for me.
Thank you so much for sharing your recipes!
Bon Appetite!
Yorinda
That sounds like a really good way to eat smoked salmon Yorinda! I will be giving that a try 🙂
Smoked salmon for dinner please.
Mike Huiwitz recently posted..The Ex Back Experts
Quite right too Mike 🙂