The Primeval Salmon from the Ice Age
When the last ice age came to an end some 10 000 years ago, the land slowly began to rise from the sea as the ice melted. Time passed. Hills became mountains, fjords turned into lakes. And – the salmon living in the water got trapped in the Byglandsfjord.
Instead of dying out, the resilient primeval salmon found a way to continue living without access to the sea. For thousands of years it has thus lived separated from its relatives.
That’s why the Bleke is utterly unique and the closest we come to the original primeval salmon.
THE STORY
The Original Wild Salmon's Legacy
As the ice melted, the land slowly began to rise from the sea. Time passed. Hills became mountains, fjords turned into lakes.
And – the salmon living in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean were trapped in Byglandsfjorden
Instead of dying out, this hardy wild salmon found a way to continue living without access to the sea.
For 10,000 years, it has lived separately from its relatives.
That`s why Bleke is utterly unique, and the closest we come the original wild salmon
THE STORY
Traditions for generations
For millennia, Bleke has been an essential food source for the local population in Setesdal. Bleke was available for fishing all year round and became a vital part of the diet. This nutritious fish ensured that families had access to essential proteins and other important nutrients. Traditional fishing methods and preservation techniques such as smoking, drying, and salting were passed down from generation to generation, ensuring that Bleke could be stored and enjoyed throughout the year. This fish was more than just food; it was a lifeline for many generations in Setesdal, and its significance can still be felt in the region's culture and history.
10,000 years of refined taste
True timeless taste
THE STORY
From cultivation to Commercialization
Since the 1990s, Syrtveit Fish Farm has specialized in Bleke production, originally established to safeguard this national treasure. For years, Bleke was a local delicacy, known only to a select few. In 2018, entrepreneurs set out to share it with a wider audience.
Today, the farm serves as both a backup for the wild Bleke population and a foundation for commercial production, ensuring more people can experience its exceptional taste and heritage.
10 000 years of refined taste
Since the last ice age, Bleke has developed in the mountain-fresh water of the Byglandsfjord, and developed a unique taste. This ancient lineage offers a flavor that embodies millennia of natural perfection. At FYRI, we honor this rich heritage, and give you a taste experience shaped by history and refined by time.
