Farm-Raised American Shrimp Is Safe and Sustainable

Farmed shrimp is one of the most popular seafood items in the United States. It's also one of the most sustainable, according to a report released by the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Farm-raised shrimp account for nearly 60% of the shrimp consumed in the U.S., and demand is growing. That's because farm-raised shrimp is a healthy, environmentally friendly choice that can be enjoyed all year long.

Unlike some other types of seafood, such as Atlantic salmon, farm-raised shrimp does not come from threatened or endangered populations. In fact, it can actually help protect wild populations by providing an alternate source of seafood.

Farm-raised shrimp are also a good choice for people who want to eat healthy seafood. They are low in saturated fat and high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. They also contain important vitamins and minerals, including selenium and vitamin B12.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium's report on farm-raised shrimp found that this type of seafood is produced with minimal environmental impact. The farms that produce farmed shrimp use less energy and produce less waste than many other types of aquaculture operations.

They also avoid many of the environmental problems associated with traditional fishing methods. For example, farmed shrimp are not caught using bottom trawls, which can damage coral reefs and other vital habitats.

So if you're looking for a healthy, sustainable seafood option, farm-raised American shrimp should be at the top of your list!

Wild-Caught Shrimp from Mexico Is often Contaminated

A study published in the journal "Environmental Science and Technology" found that

almost 60 percent of wild-caught shrimp from Mexico is contaminated with

hazardous chemicals. The seafood industry has known about this problem for a

while, but it has not been able to solve it.

The seafood industry has known about this problem for a while, but it has not been able to solve it. The main contaminant is antibiotics, which are used to treat sick shrimp and then enter the food chain. These antibiotics can cause health problems in humans, including antibiotic resistance.

Another chemical that has been found in shrimp from Mexico is copper. Copper is a heavy metal that can cause health problems, including cancer. It is often used in agriculture and aquaculture as a fungicide or algaecide (a chemical used to kill algae).

Many of the contaminants found in shrimp from Mexico are also found in other types of seafood. However, shrimp are especially vulnerable to contamination because they are filter feeders. This means they eat everything that falls into the water, including pollutants and pesticides.

The Best Shrimp for Your Plate

As the peak of summer nears, so does an abundance of shrimp at farmer's markets and grocery stores. What better way to celebrate the season than with this delectable seafood? Here is a guide to help you choose the best shrimp for your plate.

Since wild-caught shrimp come from all over the world, it can be tricky to know which type to buy. Fortunately, most farmed shrimp are raised in North America, making it simpler to purchase domestic seafood. Here are some general guidelines:

If you want sustainability, buy domestic farmed shrimp . 97% of farmed shrimp in the US is raised in an environmentally friendly way, without damaging habitats or using destructive fishing methods.

. 97% of farmed shrimp in the US is raised in an environmentally friendly way, without damaging habitats or using destructive fishing methods. If you want convenience, buy frozen cooked shrimp . They're easy to cook (just pop them in the oven or microwave), and they last up to six months in the freezer.

. They're easy to cook (just pop them in the oven or microwave), and they last up to six months in the freezer. If you want freshness, buy raw peeled and deveined shrimp . With no heads or shells, these are easy to prepare however you'd like—steamed, grilled, sautéed, or even boiled!

. With no heads or shells, these are easy to prepare however you'd like—steamed, grilled, sautéed, or even boiled! If you want variety , try different types of raw shrimp . Wild-caught Gulf shrimps have a delicate flavor and slightly sweet taste; while east coast options such as Maine lobster , often have a richer flavor.

Gulf shrimps have a delicate flavor and slightly sweet taste; while east coast options such as , often have a richer flavor. If you want something exotic , go for Pacific white shrimps . These tend to be bigger than other types of wild-caught shrimp and have a firmer texture.

No matter which variety of shrimp you choose, there are some tips for preparing them perfectly every time:

Marinate your shrimp overnight in your favorite vinaigrette for delicious results Grill them on skewers for an easy appetizer Steam them until they turn pink—about 3 minutes Serve them chilled on a bed of greens with your favorite dressing

Pregnant women should avoid eating shrimp

A pregnant woman's diet is important for her and her baby's health. There are some foods that a pregnant woman should avoid, including raw or undercooked seafood, such as shrimp.

Shrimp can contain harmful bacteria, including vibrio vulnificus and listeria monocytogenes. These bacteria can cause serious illness in pregnant women and their babies.

Symptoms of food poisoning caused by bacteria include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away.

If you are pregnant, it is best to avoid eating shrimp altogether. There are other types of seafood that are safe to eat during pregnancy, such as canned tuna and salmon. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about what foods are safe for you to eat while pregnant.

Here's How to Cook Shrimp So It Tastes Delicious

There are so many ways to cook shrimp, but not all cooking methods result in a delicious seafood dish. Here is one fool-proof way to ensure your shrimp turn out perfectly every time.

Ingredients:

-Shrimp (any size) -Extra virgin olive oil -Sea salt -Black pepper -Garlic cloves (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Rinse the shrimp with cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. If using garlic cloves, peel and chop them into small pieces. Heat up a large skillet on medium heat and add enough extra virgin olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, add in the shrimp and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and are slightly charred around the edges. If using garlic cloves, add them in at the beginning of cooking so they have time to soften up a bit. Once the shrimp are cooked through, remove from heat and transfer to a baking dish. If you want them to be crispy on top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!