Shrimp is Healthy and Tasty

Whether you like it boiled, steamed, or grilled shrimp is one of the most popular types of seafood and for good reason.  A 3 ounce portion is packed with 20 grams of protein and only 85 calories.  Other nutrients present include zinc, selenium, and potassium.  

Americans consume more shrimp than any other seafood. 

Most of the shrimp in the United States is imported from other countries. Many shrimp are farm raised, primarily in Asia, Ecuador and India. In an average year, the Texas commercial shrimp harvest generates $371 million of economic activity and supports 5,400 jobs in Texas. The USDA recently announced that they are going to purchase thirty-million dollars worth of seafood, specifically aimed at shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico to aid the Gulf seafood industry. 

Shrimp is also very beneficial for many other products besides food. The shells on shrimp contain three primary chemicals that can be used in various products. Their shells can be used for making animal feeds and fertilizers. Shrimp products can also be used to make cosmetics, textiles, household cleaners and skin-friendly soaps. The calcium carbonate found in shrimp can be used in the pharmaceutical industry, agriculture industry, construction industry and the paper industry. 

Shrimp can be prepared in different ways. It can be grilled, boiled, sauteed, baked, or fried. It is always healthier to bake, boil, sautee, or grill any type of food rather than frying it. When selecting shrimp, the flesh should be clear with a pearl-like color and there should be no odor or very little odor. Look to see if the package includes the time or temperature that the shrimp was harvested and stored in. If there are any broken or cracked shrimp, discard them. All of the seafood processors in the United States are required to operate under a HACCP program (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) by the FDA.   

Shrimp offers many benefits for our diet and for other uses. The shrimp industry also helps keep many Texans in the work field, and is a vital part of our economy. Next time you are at the grocery store looking for a healthy and tasty option to cook, consider shrimp! 

For recipes including shrimp, visit https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/.

Shrimp and Slaw Street Tacos

Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo