Wild Salmon

This year, wild smoked Alaskan salmon remains your classiest bet for the holiday table. Unlike farmed, wild fish don't carry concerns about antibiotics, water pollution or contaminated feed. Look for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label, which certifies Alaska wild salmon fisheries and tracks chain of custody from harvest to retail (eng.msc.org). Or purchase wild fish directly from Alaskan producers; salmon farms are banned in the state.

Product Picks

Certified by MSC: Vital Choice 6 oz. smoked, peppered Alaskan sockeye ($65/six 6-oz. portions; www.vitalchoice.com, 800-608-4825). SeaBear's 2-lb., alder-smoked Copper River sockeye fillet gift box ($59.99; www.seabear.com, 800-645-3474). Orders are by reservation only and ship in early December. Wildcatch salmon jerky ($6.50/4 oz., www.wildcatch.com and at Whole Foods) makes a healthy stocking stuffer. Purchase direct: smoked wild sockeye fillets through Wild Alaska Salmon ($12.95/4 oz.; www.smoked-fish.com, 888-945-3533).