Shrimply Scrumptious
May 10th is National Shrimp Day. It is a day to honor the nation's most beloved crustacean, which continues to outperform its oceanic peers. Consider:
More than 1 billion shrimp are consumed in the United States, with the average adult eating 4.4 pounds annually.
Shrimp accounts for nearly one-quarter of all seafood eaten in America.
More than five billion shrimp are consumed annually worldwide.
The worldwide shrimp market was US$ 18.3 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $23.4 billion by 2026.
The average shrimp is 2 to 3 inches long, although some species can grow as long as one foot.
Shrimp can live in the wild for up to six years, but the average shrimp is consumed within its first six months.
Shrimp is the world's most profitably traded marine product.
Besides being a top-rated consumable, shrimp are fascinating creatures:
All shrimp are born male, with some turning into females as they age
Shrimp appear to have spines but have no bones in their bodies
A shrimp can produce 1 million eggs at a time, which will mature in as little as two weeks
Many shrimp can change color to blend in with their surroundings
Shrimp thrive in saltwater, while prawns (yes, there is a difference) are found in freshwater.
No wonder there is a National Shrimp Day!
Multi-faceted and Always Right
So what makes shrimp the little darling of seafood lovers? Below are a few reasons.
Protein. In 1280 the explorer Marco Polo wrote about the popularity and seeming importance of shrimp in Chinese diets. In fact, shrimp has been a protein-rich staple in China as early as the 7th century. Today, shrimp is considered an easily consumed source of protein worldwide. Protein is necessary to help the human body repair and create new cells and is a vital building block for bones, muscle, cartilage, and skin.
Health. Shrimp carry additional health benefits besides protein. They are low in carbohydrates and calories and rich in micronutrients, making them an excellent choice for losing weight. Shrimp also contains antioxidants that can protect human cells, including the antioxidant astaxanthin, which research shows can prevent wrinkles and decrease UV damage.
Versatility. Quick! Name an ethnic cuisine that doesn't offer a variety of shrimp dishes. From French and Italian to Caribbean and Mediterranean, what ethnic group doesn't extoll the virtues of shrimp?
Formal or informal. Few foods are as comfortable on a Super Bowl buffet as they are featured on a Mother's Day brunch. Similarly, you'll find shrimp on menus from fast food to casual sit down to five-star restaurants.
Speed. Few good-for-you foods are as fast and easy to prepare as shrimp. Steamed shrimp can be ready as finger food or part of an elaborate recipe in barely three minutes.
Size. Shrimp comes from the Middle Eastern word "shrimpe," based on the crustacean's small stature. Whether it's more space in the freezer, on the plate, or in your stomach, shrimp fits right in.
Taste. There are few things tastier than a firm, fresh-tasting shrimp, whether it’s served steamed and lightly chilled, boiled in a gumbo, part of a seafood medley, or in a favorite ethnic dish.
So, on National Shrimp Day, celebrate these delectable workhorses of the sea. Eat shrimp. It's the right thing to do.
Check out these tasty shrimp and other seafood recipes.