Fresh, Wild, Sustainable: Northern Lights Smokeries in AK
Northern Lights Smokeries is a family-owned business in Petersburg on Mitkof Island in Southeast Alaska. Since its establishment in 1992, this charming company has been a culinary cornerstone, providing a delicious selection of wild and local seafood for over thirty years. Their dedication to sustainability is evident in their philosophy, and they proudly exemplify it through their products.
Northern Lights Smokeries excels with its commitment to sustainable practices, reflected in the meticulous seafood sourcing. Local fishermen harvest Salmon, Black Cod, and Halibut from the crisp, glacier-fed waters of Southeast Alaska. This not only guarantees the freshness of the catch but also actively supports the surrounding fishing community.
The superior quality of Alaska’s seafood is attributed to the pristine, wild ecosystems from which it hails. Salmon, Black Cod, and Halibut caught in these icy waters boast a nutritional profile rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, essential for both body and mind. As global awareness regarding sustainable seafood’s health benefits grows, Northern Lights Smokeries’ offerings have become highly coveted.
Owner Thomas Cumps, originally from Belgium, brought his passion for seafood to Alaska in 1999. Starting as a humble unloader of fishing boats, Cumps quickly immersed himself in the intricacies of handling different species and became acquainted with various fishing methods and grounds. In 2002, he joined forces with Alice Perry, whom he married, and together they took over Northern Lights Smokeries. Currently a High School Science teacher and former Quality Assurance Manager for Petersburg Fisheries, Perry contributes her expertise to the thriving smokery.
The artisanal processing at Northern Lights Smokeries sets it apart. Hand-filleted and cut, the selected fish undergo a time-honored bringing and hot or cold smoking process crafted by Thomas Cumps. Following this, the fish is promptly vacuum-sealed and subjected to blast freezing at -55°F, preserving natural flavors and nutritional integrity.
The product range at Northern Lights Smokeries is diverse and enticing. Hot-smoked Salmon, presented in thick strips of varying sizes, and Salmon Lox, available in whole or half sides, showcase the mastery of their craft. Cold-smoked Black Cod, in substantial fillets, is another delectable offering. Beyond the smoked varieties, the smokery also provides Fresh-Frozen seafood, expanding its culinary repertoire.
Northern Lights Smokeries encapsulates the essence of sustainable fishing, artisanal food processing, and the enduring power of family and community. Each bite of their meticulously prepared seafood is not just a culinary experience but a journey into the icy waters of Alaska and a story that has been unfolding for decades. As you savor the flavors, you become an integral part of this narrative, embracing a quality and sustainability tradition defining Northern Lights Smokeries.
503 Noseeum St, Petersburg, AK 99833 | +1 907-518-1616 | http://www.nlsmokeries.com/