Copper River Salmon: What's the Big Deal?

The following excerpt is from Angela Brown of about.com:

"The Copper River flows in the state of Alaska. Almost 300 miles in length, this wild rushing river empties into Prince William Sound at the town of Cordova. Salmon that originate in these pristine waters are challenged by its length and its strong, chill rapids. Consequently, Copper River salmon are strong, robust creatures with a healthy store of natural oils and body fat. These qualities make the salmon among the richest, tastiest fish in the world. Fortunately, fatty Copper River salmon is good for you, as it is loaded with Omega-3 oils, which are recommended by theAmerican Heart Association. Your heart is not the only part of your body that benefits from salmon consumption: studies have found that fish oil can help combat such ailments as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, breast cancer and migraines.

Northwest seafood lovers have turned the mid-May to mid-June Copper River salmon season into an annual celebration. Seattle restaurateurs and markets compete to be the first to get an ice-packed shipment of the fresh salmon. Area newspapers fill with advertisements announcing availability at fine dining establishments. Local residents pay top dollar for chef-prepared creations that feature the Copper River delicacy."

Over Memorial weekend, I went to our local seafood market and bought some copper river salmon.  It can get pretty pricey.  I paid $24.99 a pound for the Copper King (I've heard that Costco carries it for $9.99 a pound), but it is absolutely worth it.  Preparing it is simple.  You don't want to add too much.  The Copper River salmon has plenty of flavor on its own.  Just salt and pepper it real good.  I cooked mine on the barbeque pit.  I fired up the pit and let it go about twenty minutes to get it as hot as I could.  I sprayed Pam on the grill to prevent the salmon from sticking.  I liberally applied salt and pepper and cooked it on the grill for about seven minutes.  The result was the best fish I have had to date.  

It's rare to come across a meal that tastes so great and is so healthy for you.  I grew up in the midwest, where a seafood dinner for us was cod, orange roughy, or catfish.  Moving to the Northwest has really exposed me to the benefits and joy of eating fresh seafood.