Organic Farmed Trout
Part of our Fish for Tomorrow range
The Rainbow Trout
The name Rainbow trout is derived from a broad band of pink or lavender that runs the length of the fish from the cheek to the tail. The upper sides and back are dark green, peppered with black spots that continue to the tail fin. Spots are sparse around the the midline and often absent from the silvery area below the lateral band.
The rainbow trout was originally found in the lakes and streams draining from the Pacific slope, from Alaska to northern Baja Mexico, as well as the pacific coastal stream of Asia. The species now occurs in Great Britain and many countries of the world.
These spirited fish prefer swift flowing, well oxygenated rivers with clean rocky bottoms. They enjoy water temperatures remaining below 70 degrees F but will tolerate 80 degrees F. It is the Rainbow's tolerance for water warmer than many other trout that make it a good stocked fish.
In the wild the female lays her eggs in gravelly hollows called a "redd". here up to 6,000 eggs are dropped among the rocks and then covered, leaving them to fend for themselves. The eggs must stay under the gravel for up to 50 days after which the young fry appear. They are very vulnerable to predation from larger fish, snakes, birds and even some aquatic insects may eat very young trout. Of every 10,000 rainbow trout that hatch, no more than two of them may live long enough to become full grown adults! Trafalgar Fisheries stock rainbow trout because they have a wide appeal. The species is well known to fish eaters and all good restaurants prepare and serve them
BUY NOWThe Principles of Organic Trout Production
- The production of prime, quality fishes, free from artificial ingredients. Organic Trout are fed diets which contain ingredients in accordance with the rules of organic production, notably the diet has no artificial colour or genetically modified organisms and is produced from sustainable and/or organic sources. The fish are fed no colorants, which means that they appear creamy-white in the flesh, as opposed to the familiar pink, which is achieved by using colorants.
- Trout benefit from a greater freedom of space where the emphasis is on natural growth thus cutting the reliance on medicines. Humane handling and harvest are paramount to the organic regime.
- The organic ethos promotes sustainability, and aquaculture is striving to maintain that principle. The application of a holistic approach will embody proactive environmental measures. Health and welfare of fish is maintained by minimising stress, reducing the incidence of disease and nurturing the vitality of fish through meeting their physiological and behavioural needs. Handling and harvesting is carried out as humanely as possible, with minimum stress on the fish.
- Organic trout are a good source of protein and are low in fat and calories. In addition they are an excellent source of essential fish oils and contain high level of Omega 3 oils, which help, lower blood cholesterol reducing the risk of strokes and help the body against heart disease.
"This fish, although esteemed by the moderns for its delicacy, was little regarded by the ancients. Although it abounded in the lakes of the Roman Empire, it is generally mentioned by writers only on account of the beauty of its colours"
Beeton's Book of Household Management, Mrs Beeton - 1861
The Farm
The farm is situated on the banks of the Hampshire Avon, in the Avon Valley south of Salisbury. The farm is fully integrated, which means quality is controlled right through the system. The breeding trout produce eggs which are incubated and hatched in the estate's own hatchery and nearby farms. The young fish then grow slowly and naturally at low densities in extensive gravel ponds.
The Water Supply
The Hampshire Avon supplies water filtered from its chalk reservoir on Salisbury plain. So reliable is the sponge effect of the chalk downlands that production has gone unbroken through drought and flood for thirty years ensuring a continuous supply of fish.
The Environmental Monitoring
The farms are environmentally friendly, returning water to rivers in excellent condition. The Environment Agency watches this situation with the greatest care. Settlement facilities extend below the farms to ensure water is returned to the rivers in good condition.
"Small boys lie on their tummies and tickle trout. In my granddad's time all quarrymen and miners used to go down to the streams and lift out enough fish for Sunday morning's breakfast. Nowadays they buy sausages."
Dorothy Hartley, Food In England - 1954
Our Organic Trout range
 | Whole Fish The fish are gutted and sleeved on site from fresh and are frozen immediately to maintain firm, succulent flesh. They are paler in colour than conventionally farmed trout. |
 | fillets They are freshly filleted and have the rib bones removed. They are then individually sleeved. Whilst the flesh is paler than farmed fish, they are more similar in colour to wild fish. |
| Hot Smoked fish - This hot-smoked trout is packed singly, frozen, and can be eaten hot or cold. |
Selection Box
We also offer a selection box for trout. Click here for details of our fish selection boxes
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