Sea shrimp, estuary shrimp, farm shrimp, river shrimp, what is the best shrimp to taste?
Sweet, Tender, and Delicious: Ranking the Best Shrimp
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Discovery Chepe Id-368-GAS
Published in
08-11-2024

Shrimp is a delicious and versatile seafood enjoyed all over the world. There are many different types of shrimp available, each with its own unique flavor and texture.
The best shrimp to cook? to taste? In this article, we will compare four popular types of shrimp: Estuary shrimp, farmed shrimp, sea shrimp, and river shrimp.
Estuary shrimp:
Estuary shrimp has a salty and slightly sweet flavor, with a strong sea flavor. Its texture is firm and meaty and in many areas of Mexico it is very popular for broths and ceviches. The availability of this product varies by region, but it is generally found fresh in coastal areas. Estuary shrimp in Mexico is produced mainly in the coastal areas of the Pacific, in the states of Sinaloa, Sonora and Nayarit. In terms of sustainability, it can be a more sustainable option than farmed shrimp, since it is caught wild in its natural habitat.
Farmed shrimp:
This type of shrimp has a mild and slightly sweet flavor, it is also popular for different dishes, although in terms of flavor, the estuary shrimp takes the lead. Its texture is tender and juicy and it is available all year round in most markets. The main shrimp aquaculture farms are located in Sonora, Sinaloa and Nayarit. The sustainability of farmed shrimp can vary depending on production practices. The price is generally cheaper than estuary shrimp.

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Sea shrimp:
It has a similar flavor to estuary shrimp, but with a stronger sea flavor, a salty touch. Its texture is firm and meaty, with the biological characteristic that the main artery that runs through the body of the shrimp is more noticeable, and you regularly have to put more effort into cleaning them to cook them. The main shrimp fleets that capture this type of shrimp are in Sinaloa, Sonora, Nayarit, Guerrero, Oaxaca and Chiapas. Regularly this product is for export. Availability varies by region, but is generally found fresh in coastal areas. When it comes to sustainability, it may be a less sustainable option than farmed shrimp, as it is caught wild in large quantities. Its price is similar to estuary shrimp, although the size of this type of shrimp is a little larger, sometimes the price goes up.
River shrimp:
Also called prawn or cauque, it has a mild and slightly fishy flavor. Its flavor is actually less penetrating than all the previous ones. Its texture is tender and juicy, and it is available all year round in most markets. Although with the problems of drought of lakes and rivers in the country, its production is decreasing. States such as Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Guerrero, Oaxaca and Chiapas are producers of river shrimp. The sustainability of river shrimp can vary depending on production practices. Its price is similar to farmed shrimp.
Which is the best?
The best type of shrimp to taste depends on your personal preferences and the dish you are looking to make with it. If you are looking for a strong, sea flavor, estuary shrimp or sea shrimp are good options. If you prefer a milder flavor and more tender texture, farm-raised shrimp or river shrimp are good options. In different areas of Mexico, estuary shrimp is more popular than in others. Even the sea shrimp that is exported to the USA is not as popular in some other areas of Mexico. In conclusion, shrimp are a very important nutritional source and a key economic activity in the country, and their consumption depends on the culinary culture of the area in which you are located.
Tips for choosing shrimp
1- Buy fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp should be bright and firm in color, and should not have a strong fishy smell.
2-Consider size: Shrimp are graded by size, from jumbo to extra small. Choose the right size for your recipe.
3-Ask about sustainability: If you are concerned about sustainability, look for shrimp that have been raised or caught responsibly.
Responsibly enjoy shrimp, and seafood in general.
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