Question 1

What does "cold smoked" mean?

Accepted Answer

"Cold smoking" refers to the temperature in the smoker while the fish (or other food) is being smoked. The temperature is kept fairly low to prevent cooking and to help ensure the ideal consistency. Cold smoking is done at a temperature ranging between 70 and 80 degrees F. The result is the silky smooth texture we all know and love.

Question 2

What is a "dry cure"?

Accepted Answer

"Dry curing" is the process of rubbing the fish (or other meat product) with a combination of salt, sugar, and spices to remove some of the moisture and firm up the flesh. This process also helps to prevent any bacterial growth by creating an environment that is not hospitable to bacteria which will help to extend the product's natural shelf life. This is also an excellent time to infuse flavours.

Question 3

Do you use additives?

Accepted Answer

All of our products are made without the use of any artificial additives, preservatives or colours. Instead, we prefer to use traditional, time-honoured practices. We don't use any chemicals or liquid smoke to produce our flavours. Only pure salt, sugars, and spices are used in our cures and brines, and we naturally smoke our foods over high-quality hardwood to produce a flavour like no other.

Question 4

Is your salmon farmed?

Accepted Answer

While it is true that some farmed fish can be bad for you, it is all about knowing where your food comes from and only supporting the good operations. Since the year 2000, the Canadian government has banned all commercial Atlantic salmon fishing due to the impact it was having on the wild populations in an effort to help them rebound. Some farms are very heavy-handed on hormones and antibiotics, and these operations should be avoided. Our salmon comes from a 4 Star BAP-certified Canadian operation located off the coasts of Newfoundland and New Brunswick which is ethical and sustainable and has some of the lowest stocking densities in the world. Overfishing is a major concern these days, and the current trend towards wild-caught fish is putting even more pressure on the already strained ocean eco-system. Supporting responsible farming operations will help to prevent the collapse of the eco-system and ensure there are fish to enjoy for future generations.

Question 5

I'm pregnant. Are your products safe for me and my baby?

Accepted Answer

​The amount of information and guidelines relating to caring for yourself and your unborn baby can be overwhelming. We don't use any artificial chemicals, artificial preservatives, or additives in the production of our fish, however, it is smoked and some consider it to be raw even though it has been cured. Like any other product you are thinking of consuming while pregnant, it is always best to check with your doctor first.

Question 6

Do you offer wholesale, custom smoking or private label smoked salmon?

Accepted Answer

We sure do! For over 12 years we have been serving the Toronto and surrounding areas with our wholesale, custom smoking and private label services. Reach out to order@thesmokebloke.ca today to discuss how we can help to elevate your brand!

FAQ

Frequently asked questions