Lax vs. Salmon: What's the Difference?
By Janet White || Updated on May 21, 2024
Lax is the Swedish word for salmon, specifically referring to the same fish species, but the term "lax" is used in Scandinavian languages, while "salmon" is the English term.
Key Differences
Lax is the Swedish term for salmon, which is a species of fish known for its pink flesh and rich flavor. This term is used predominantly in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries to describe the fish that is both caught in the wild and farmed for food. Whereas, salmon is the English term for the same species of fish, recognized globally for its culinary and nutritional value.
In Swedish cuisine, lax is a staple ingredient, often prepared in various traditional dishes such as gravlax (cured salmon) and smoked salmon. On the other hand, salmon is widely popular in many cuisines around the world, including North American and European cuisines, where it is commonly grilled, baked, or used in sushi.
Lax in Swedish culture often implies a close connection to traditional methods of preparation and local culinary practices. Conversely, salmon in English-speaking cultures may be associated with a broader range of culinary techniques and global dishes.
While lax refers specifically to the same species as salmon, it also highlights the cultural and linguistic differences between the Scandinavian and English-speaking worlds. Both terms describe a highly nutritious fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, but their use and significance can vary based on regional culinary traditions.
Comparison Chart
Language
Swedish
English
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Region
Scandinavia
Global
Culinary Use
Traditional Swedish dishes
Global cuisines
Preparation
Gravlax, smoked
Grilled, baked, sushi
Cultural Significance
Traditional and local methods
Broad culinary techniques
Lax and Salmon Definitions
Lax
Commonly used in traditional Swedish recipes.
Lax is a key ingredient in many Swedish holiday meals.
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Salmon
English term for a species of fish known for its pink flesh.
Grilled salmon is a popular dish worldwide.
Lax
A type of fish popular in Scandinavian cuisine.
Lax is often served smoked on open-faced sandwiches.
Salmon
Both wild-caught and farmed, commonly sold worldwide.
Fresh salmon is available year-round in many supermarkets.
Lax
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for health.
Eating lax provides essential nutrients.
Salmon
Valued for its nutritional benefits, especially omega-3s.
Including salmon in your diet can improve heart health.
Lax
Lacking in rigor, strictness, or firmness.
Salmon
Can be prepared in numerous ways, such as baked or pan-fried.
Salmon fillets are easy to cook and versatile.
Lax
Not taut, firm, or compact; slack.
Salmon
Any of various large salmonid food and game fishes of the genera Oncorhynchus and Salmo of northern waters, having pink or red flesh and characteristically swimming from salt to fresh water to spawn.
Lax
Loose and not easily retained or controlled. Used of bowel movements.
Salmon
The flesh of a salmon, used as food.
Lax
(Linguistics) Pronounced with the muscles of the tongue and jaw relatively relaxed, as the vowel (ĕ) in let.
Salmon
A yellowish pink to light or reddish orange.
Lax
A salmon.
Salmon
One of several species of fish, typically of the Salmoninae subfamily, brownish above with silvery sides and delicate pinkish-orange flesh; they ascend rivers to spawn.
Grilled salmon
Salmon paté
Salmon steak
Lax
Lacrosse.
Salmon
A meal or dish made from this fish.
Lax
Lenient and allowing for deviation; not strict.
The rules are fairly lax, but you have to know which ones you can bend.
Salmon
A pale pinkish-orange colour, the colour of cooked salmon.
Lax
Loose; not tight or taut.
The rope fell lax.
Salmon
The upper bricks in a kiln which receive the least heat.
Lax
Lacking care; neglectful, negligent.
Salmon
(Cockney rhyming slang) snout (tobacco; from salmon and trout)
Lax
(mathematics) Describing an associative monoidal functor.
Salmon
Having a pale pinkish-orange colour.
Lax
(archaic) Having a looseness of the bowels; diarrheal.
Salmon
To ride a bicycle the wrong way down a one-way street.
Lax
Not tense, firm, or rigid; loose; slack; as, a lax bandage; lax fiber.
The flesh of that sort of fish being lax and spongy.
Salmon
Any one of several species of fishes of the genus Salmo and allied genera. The common salmon (Salmo salar) of Northern Europe and Eastern North America, and the California salmon, or quinnat, are the most important species. They are extensively preserved for food. See Quinnat.
Lax
Not strict or stringent; not exact; loose; weak; vague; equivocal.
The discipline was lax.
Society at that epoch was lenient, if not lax, in matters of the passions.
The word "æternus" itself is sometimes of a lax signification.
Salmon
A reddish yellow or orange color, like the flesh of the salmon.
Lax
Having a looseness of the bowels; diarrheal.
Salmon
Of a reddish yellow or orange color, like that of the flesh of the salmon.
Lax
A looseness; diarrhea.
Salmon
Any of various large food and game fishes of northern waters; usually migrate from salt to fresh water to spawn
Lax
Lacking in rigor or strictness;
Such lax and slipshod ways are no longer acceptable
Lax in attending classes
Slack in maintaining discipline
Salmon
A tributary of the Snake River in Idaho
Lax
Pronounced with muscles relatively relaxed (e.g., the vowel sound in `bet')
Salmon
Flesh of any of various marine or freshwater fish of the family Salmonidae
Lax
Not taut or rigid; not stretched or held tight;
A lax rope
Salmon
Found in various global cuisines, from sushi to pasta.
Smoked salmon is often used in bagels and salads.
Lax
Lacking in strength or firmness or resilience;
Flaccid muscles
Took his lax hand in hers
Gave a limp handshake
A limp gesture as if waving away all desire to know
A slack grip
Lax
Tolerant or lenient;
Indulgent parents risk spoiling their children
Procedures are lax and discipline is weak
Too soft on the children
Lax
Emptying easily or excessively;
Loose bowels
Lax
Swedish term for salmon.
The Swedish dish gravlax is made with cured lax.
Lax
Available both wild-caught and farmed.
Fresh lax can be found at Swedish fish markets.
FAQs
How is lax typically prepared in Sweden?
Lax is often prepared as gravlax (cured) or smoked.
What is lax?
Lax is the Swedish word for salmon.
What is salmon?
Salmon is the English term for a species of fish known for its pink flesh.
Where is lax commonly used?
Lax is commonly used in Scandinavian countries, especially Sweden.
What dishes use salmon?
Global dishes including grilled salmon, sushi, and smoked salmon.
How is salmon typically prepared in English-speaking countries?
Salmon is commonly grilled, baked, or used in sushi.
Is salmon available in Sweden?
Yes, but it is referred to as lax in Swedish.
Where is salmon commonly used?
Salmon is used globally, including in North American and European cuisines.
Is lax nutritionally different from salmon?
No, lax and salmon are the same species and have the same nutritional profile.
What dishes use lax?
Traditional Swedish dishes like gravlax and smoked salmon.
What are the health benefits of salmon?
Salmon offers the same benefits as lax, including omega-3 fatty acids.
Is smoked lax different from smoked salmon?
No, smoked lax and smoked salmon are the same, just referred to differently based on language.
How does the cultural significance of lax differ from salmon?
Lax has strong traditional ties in Swedish cuisine, while salmon has a broad culinary significance globally.
Can lax be used in sushi?
Yes, lax can be used in sushi just like salmon.
Why are there different names for the same fish?
Different languages have different terms for the same species, reflecting cultural and linguistic diversity.
Can lax and salmon be used interchangeably in recipes?
Yes, as they are the same fish, they can be used interchangeably.
What is gravlax?
A Scandinavian dish made by curing salmon with salt, sugar, and dill.
Is lax available outside of Sweden?
Yes, but it is more commonly referred to as salmon outside of Sweden.
Is farmed lax the same as farmed salmon?
Yes, farmed lax and farmed salmon are the same fish, differing only in language.
What are the health benefits of lax?
Lax is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
