Salmon gravlax with pink berries and wild black pepper
- Matana Québec
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
What is salmon gravlax and why You'll Love It ?
Gravlax (from the Swedish gravlax , "dried salmon" or "buried salmon") is a culinary specialty of traditional Nordic cuisine, made from raw salmon fillets that have been marinated for a long time, macerated, and dried with salt, sugar, pepper, and dill.
In the Middle Ages, Scandinavian fishermen traditionally prepared gravlax by salting salmon with a sea salt brine, then drying and lightly fermenting it by burying it in jars in the sea beach sand, away from the tides, as a way of preserving food for several months by salting and drying (a variation of smoked salmon).
Gravlax is prepared to this day (since the invention of food refrigeration) from raw salmon fillets (sometimes lightly fermented) between which is added a marinade of cuttlefish, coarse salt (for about 10% of the weight of the fish), a little sugar, white pepper, and dill, as well as various spices and aromatic preparations depending on the recipe and the region (beetroot puree, aquavit or vodka, cognac, pink peppercorns). The preparation is then covered with plastic wrap, pressed under weights to dry it, and kept cold for two to three days. The water that forms must be removed every eight to twelve hours. Once marinated (or macerated) the fillets are freed from their garnish and then cut into thin slices, served for example with a potato salad, or on slices of country bread (or Swedish crispbread), with lemon, capers, or a mustard sauce.
Sources: Wikipedia
A few words about this Salmon gravlax with pink berries and wild black pepper, starter recipe
Salmon is a migratory fish that frequents both fresh and salt waters. It's a fatty fish that's much better quality from the wild than from farmed sources. You just have to be able to find it and afford it!
For this pink berry and wild black pepper gravlax, change the spices or herbs to suit your tastes to give the salmon a distinctive feel. But avoid overdoing it and emphasize the natural flavor of the fish.
Inspiration: Chef Simon
Ingredients that make the difference: Pink Peppercorn & Wild Black Pepper
600 g of salmon (heart fillet)
a few sprigs of dill (optional)
dill and coriander seeds or Sichuan pepper
200 g of coarse salt
200 g of sugar
Coriander
Salmon and its virtues
Nutritionists all agree on the multiple benefits of eating oily fish, such as salmon. An excellent source of complete protein, it contains large quantities of phosphorus and selenium, as well as numerous vitamins (B1, B3, B5, B12, D). But what makes it so interesting in the eyes of researchers is its rich content of omega-3, famous fatty acids whose merits have been praised since the 1970s. (Sources: Passeport Santé )
Why Choose Wild Black Pepper from Madagascar?
Bold, aromatic, and full of character, wild black pepper from Madagascar brings depth and warmth to this gravlax recipe. Grown in rich volcanic soil and harvested at peak maturity, its complex flavor profile—earthy, slightly smoky, and intensely spicy—transforms a simple dish into something extraordinary. This is not your average pepper: it’s hand-picked, sun-dried, and ethically sourced, offering both gourmet quality and a commitment to sustainable farming.
The Surprising Flavor of Pink Peppercorn
Delicately sweet with subtle notes of citrus and a gentle peppery warmth, pink berries—often called pink peppercorns—bring an unexpected burst of flavor to savory dishes. Unlike traditional black pepper, their floral aroma and light spiciness elevate gravlax with a refined complexity. Sourced from Madagascar, these vibrant berries are not only beautiful but also naturally grown and harvested with care, adding both taste and story to your recipe.
To use it, simply add it at the end of cooking. You can crush it in a mortar and pestle it over your dishes before serving.
Where to Buy High-Quality Spices for Gravlax?
Fair Trade at the Heart of Our Madagascar Products
MATANA is a Quebec-based company that proudly offers exceptional products from Madagascar. Our mission is to showcase the unique and high-quality offerings of Madagascar while supporting sustainable practices. A portion of our profits is dedicated to improving the lives of Malagasy farmers, ensuring their well-being and growth.
We carefully select our Malagasy suppliers, partnering with local businesses and producers who share our commitment to natural, environmentally friendly products that respect both the land and its people.
