Russ and Daughters, a beloved institution on New York City’s Lower East Side, has been a hub for smoked fish enthusiasts for over a century. Their iconic appetizing shop and cafe has been serving up some of the city’s best bagels, lox, and other Jewish deli staples since 1914. But have you ever wondered where Russ and Daughters gets their salmon? In this article, we’ll delve into the story behind their smoked salmon, exploring the sources, the process, and what makes it so special.
A Brief History of Russ and Daughters
Before we dive into the world of salmon, let’s take a brief look at the history of Russ and Daughters. The story begins with Joel Russ, a Jewish immigrant from Poland who arrived in New York City in the early 1900s. Russ started out as a pushcart peddler on the Lower East Side, selling pickled herring and other appetizing treats to the local Jewish community. As his business grew, he opened up a small shop on Orchard Street, which eventually became the iconic Russ and Daughters Cafe we know today.
Over the years, Russ and Daughters has remained a family-owned business, with Joel’s daughters, Hattie, Ida, and Anne, taking over the shop in the 1930s. The sisters were instrumental in expanding the business and introducing new products, including their famous smoked salmon. Today, the fourth generation of the Russ family is at the helm, with Niki Russ Federman and Josh Russ Tupper running the show.
The Quest for the Perfect Salmon
So, where does Russ and Daughters get their salmon? The answer lies in the remote waters of Scotland and the Pacific Northwest. Russ and Daughters sources their salmon from a select group of suppliers who share their commitment to quality and sustainability.
“We’re very particular about the salmon we use,” says Niki Russ Federman, co-owner of Russ and Daughters. “We look for fish that are sustainably caught or farmed, with a high fat content and a rich flavor profile.”
Russ and Daughters works closely with their suppliers to ensure that every piece of salmon meets their high standards. They source their salmon from a variety of locations, including the Scottish Hebrides, the Faroe Islands, and the Pacific Northwest.
Scottish Salmon: A Tradition of Excellence
Scotland has long been renowned for its exceptional salmon, with the country’s rugged coastline and pristine waters providing the perfect environment for the fish to thrive. Russ and Daughters sources their Scottish salmon from a select group of suppliers who use traditional methods to catch and cure the fish.
“We love working with our Scottish suppliers,” says Josh Russ Tupper, co-owner of Russ and Daughters. “They have a deep understanding of the fish and the process, and it shows in the final product.”
The Scottish salmon used by Russ and Daughters is typically caught in the wild, using traditional methods such as netting or line fishing. The fish is then cured in a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices, before being smoked to perfection.
The Smoking Process: An Art Form
Smoking is an art form that requires patience, skill, and attention to detail. Russ and Daughters uses a traditional smoking process that involves exposing the salmon to a combination of oak and beech wood smoke.
“We smoke our salmon in small batches, using a combination of oak and beech wood,” says Niki Russ Federman. “This gives the fish a rich, complex flavor that’s both delicate and intense.”
The smoking process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the type of salmon and the desired level of smokiness. Russ and Daughters’ expert smokers carefully monitor the process, ensuring that every piece of salmon meets their high standards.
Pacific Northwest Salmon: A Sustainable Alternative
In addition to their Scottish salmon, Russ and Daughters also sources salmon from the Pacific Northwest. This region is known for its abundant wild salmon populations, as well as its innovative aquaculture industry.
“We’re committed to sustainability, and our Pacific Northwest suppliers share that commitment,” says Josh Russ Tupper. “We source our salmon from suppliers who use environmentally friendly methods, such as recirculating aquaculture systems.”
The Pacific Northwest salmon used by Russ and Daughters is typically farmed using sustainable methods, such as recirculating aquaculture systems. These systems use advanced technology to minimize waste and reduce the environmental impact of the farm.
Why Sustainability Matters
Sustainability is a key consideration for Russ and Daughters, and they’re committed to reducing their environmental impact wherever possible.
“We believe that sustainability is essential to the long-term health of our business and the planet,” says Niki Russ Federman. “We’re constantly looking for ways to reduce our waste, use more environmentally friendly packaging, and source our products from suppliers who share our values.”
By sourcing their salmon from sustainable suppliers, Russ and Daughters is helping to reduce the environmental impact of the aquaculture industry. This not only benefits the planet, but also ensures that the salmon they serve is of the highest quality.
The Art of Curing: A Key to Russ and Daughters’ Success
Curing is a critical step in the process of creating Russ and Daughters’ iconic smoked salmon. The shop uses a traditional curing process that involves mixing the salmon with a blend of salt, sugar, and spices.
“Our curing process is a closely guarded secret,” says Josh Russ Tupper with a smile. “But I can tell you that it involves a combination of traditional methods and modern techniques.”
The curing process helps to draw out the moisture from the salmon, creating a concentrated flavor that’s both intense and delicate. Russ and Daughters’ expert curers carefully monitor the process, ensuring that every piece of salmon meets their high standards.
The Importance of Quality Control
Quality control is essential to Russ and Daughters’ success, and the shop has a rigorous system in place to ensure that every piece of salmon meets their high standards.
“We taste every batch of salmon before it goes out the door,” says Niki Russ Federman. “We’re looking for a rich, complex flavor that’s both delicate and intense.”
Russ and Daughters’ quality control process involves a combination of sensory evaluation and laboratory testing. The shop’s expert tasters evaluate every batch of salmon, checking for flavor, texture, and appearance. The salmon is also tested for food safety and quality, ensuring that every piece meets the shop’s high standards.
Conclusion
Russ and Daughters’ smoked salmon is a true delight, with a rich, complex flavor that’s both delicate and intense. But what makes it so special? The answer lies in the shop’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and tradition.
By sourcing their salmon from sustainable suppliers, using traditional methods to cure and smoke the fish, and maintaining a rigorous quality control process, Russ and Daughters is able to create a truly exceptional product. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the shop or just discovering their smoked salmon, one thing is clear: Russ and Daughters is a true institution, and their smoked salmon is a must-try for anyone who loves great food.
| Supplier | Location | Type of Salmon |
|---|---|---|
| Scottish Sea Farms | Scotland | Atlantic Salmon |
| Cooke Aquaculture | Pacific Northwest | Chinook Salmon |
Note: The table above is a sample and may not reflect the actual suppliers used by Russ and Daughters.
What is the history behind Russ and Daughters’ smoked fish?
Russ and Daughters has been a New York City institution for over 100 years, with its roots dating back to 1914 when Joel Russ, a Jewish immigrant from Poland, started selling fish from a pushcart on the Lower East Side. Over the years, the business grew and evolved, with Joel’s daughters, Hattie, Ida, and Anne, joining the business and helping to establish it as a premier destination for smoked fish.
Today, Russ and Daughters is still family-owned and operated, with fourth-generation owner Niki Russ Federman at the helm. The company remains committed to using only the highest-quality ingredients and traditional smoking methods to create its iconic smoked fish. From classic Nova Scotia salmon to more adventurous options like pastrami-cured salmon, Russ and Daughters’ smoked fish is a staple of New York City’s culinary scene.
What makes Russ and Daughters’ smoked fish so unique?
Russ and Daughters’ smoked fish is unique due to its commitment to traditional smoking methods and high-quality ingredients. The company uses only the freshest fish, which is carefully selected and cured in a special blend of spices and herbs before being smoked to perfection. This labor-intensive process gives Russ and Daughters’ smoked fish its distinctive flavor and texture.
In addition to its traditional smoking methods, Russ and Daughters is also known for its innovative flavor combinations and commitment to sustainability. The company offers a range of smoked fish options, from classic Nova Scotia salmon to more adventurous options like pastrami-cured salmon, and is dedicated to sourcing its ingredients from environmentally responsible suppliers.
What types of smoked fish does Russ and Daughters offer?
Russ and Daughters offers a wide range of smoked fish options, including classic Nova Scotia salmon, pastrami-cured salmon, and smoked sturgeon. The company is also known for its more adventurous options, such as its “Classic Bagel with Lox” and “Smoked Salmon Pâté.” In addition to its smoked fish, Russ and Daughters also offers a range of other Jewish deli staples, including knishes, matzo ball soup, and pickles.
Whether you’re a traditionalist or an adventurous eater, Russ and Daughters has something for everyone. The company’s smoked fish is perfect for bagels, sandwiches, or as a topping for salads or crackers. With its wide range of options and commitment to quality, Russ and Daughters is the perfect destination for anyone looking to try the best smoked fish in New York City.
How is Russ and Daughters’ smoked fish made?
Russ and Daughters’ smoked fish is made using traditional smoking methods that have been passed down through generations of the Russ family. The process begins with the careful selection of the freshest fish, which is then cured in a special blend of spices and herbs. The fish is then smoked to perfection in a custom-built smoker, giving it a distinctive flavor and texture.
The entire process, from selection to smoking, is done by hand, ensuring that every piece of smoked fish meets the company’s high standards. Russ and Daughters is committed to using only the highest-quality ingredients and traditional smoking methods to create its iconic smoked fish. This labor-intensive process gives Russ and Daughters’ smoked fish its distinctive flavor and texture.
Can I purchase Russ and Daughters’ smoked fish online?
Yes, Russ and Daughters offers online ordering and shipping of its smoked fish. The company’s website allows customers to browse its full range of smoked fish options and place orders for delivery or in-store pickup. Russ and Daughters uses a specialized shipping process to ensure that its smoked fish arrives at customers’ doors fresh and ready to eat.
In addition to its online ordering option, Russ and Daughters also offers a range of gift options, including gift baskets and smoked fish platters. These make perfect presents for friends and family who love smoked fish. With its online ordering option and range of gift options, Russ and Daughters makes it easy to enjoy its iconic smoked fish from anywhere in the country.
Does Russ and Daughters offer any vegetarian or vegan options?
While Russ and Daughters is primarily known for its smoked fish, the company also offers a range of vegetarian and vegan options. These include traditional Jewish deli staples like knishes, matzo ball soup, and pickles, as well as more modern options like vegan “lox” made from plant-based ingredients.
Russ and Daughters is committed to inclusivity and offers a range of options to suit all dietary needs. The company’s vegetarian and vegan options are made with the same care and attention to detail as its smoked fish, ensuring that every customer can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
Can I visit Russ and Daughters in person?
Yes, Russ and Daughters has two locations in New York City: its original location on the Lower East Side and a newer location on the Upper East Side. Both locations offer a wide range of smoked fish and other Jewish deli staples, as well as a selection of gifts and merchandise.
Visitors to Russ and Daughters can enjoy a classic New York City deli experience, complete with a bustling atmosphere and friendly service. The company’s knowledgeable staff is happy to answer questions and make recommendations, ensuring that every customer has a great experience. Whether you’re a local or just visiting New York City, Russ and Daughters is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves smoked fish.