When you think of a shrimp you probably envision a small, grey, unassuming shrimp. However, shrimp are far from being a monotone animal. Shrimp are one of the widest-ranging and most adaptable of all aquatic animals. In fact, shrimp are found in a variety of different aquatic environments, including the ocean, lakes, rivers, and even the bottom of the ocean. In this article we take a look at the differences between shrimp and prawns, and why you should choose one over the other for your next seafood meal.
what’s the difference between shrimp and prawns
Shrimp are small shrimp that are found in the ocean. They come in many colors and can grow to a size of 2 inches. Prawns, on the other hand, are large shrimp that live in freshwater. They come in many colors and can grow to a size of 2.5 inches. Shrimp are generally caught by netting them and then selling them to processors. Prawns, on the other hand, are usually caught by open-netting them and then selling them to processors.
Why Is Shrimp Meat Better For Human Food?
- Prawns are very lean, while shrimp are much fattier.
- Prawns are more sustainable because they don’t have to be farmed, whereas shrimp have to be farmed in a way that is not sustainable for the long term.
- Prawns come from the ocean and grow on their own, but shrimp must be bred in captivity and then transported to market before they can be eaten.
- Prawns are an essential part of the food chain as they eat algae, which helps keep the water clean and improves water quality.
- Shrimp shells are a lot harder than prawns’, so they will last longer in your fridge when cooked or eaten raw (fresh).
- Shrimp has a stronger flavor than prawns because it contains more flavor molecules called esters that give it a sweeter taste than prawn meat does.
- The flesh of shrimp is drier, so it’s easier to eat if you have a sauce or dip to go with it.
- Shrimp is more expensive than prawns, but it’s worth the money because shrimp meat is much better for human consumption.
Different Types Of Shrimp
1. Farmed Shrimp
Farmed shrimp are often referred to as “aqua farmed” or “prawns.” Aquafarmed shrimp are farmed on land, usually in freshwater ponds. The shrimp are often farmed on a commercial basis and they are raised in large pens until they reach a size of 2 inches. The shrimp is then shipped to the market where it is sold in various sizes, depending on the demand for the product.
2. Wild-Caught Shrimp
Wild-caught shrimp refers to any shrimp that has been caught by fisherman using traditional methods, such as hand-netting or spearing it from the water with an open hook and line. Industrial fishing methods such as trawling, scuba diving, and dredging are not used with wild-caught shrimp. All wild-caught shrimp are caught in the open ocean; they do not live in freshwater ponds or other shallow bodies of water like aqua-farmed shrimp.
3. Farmed Prawns
Farmed prawns are usually known as “prawns,” but are also sometimes referred to as “shrimps” or “lobsters.” Prawn farming is the practice of raising shrimp in tanks where they are fed a high-protein diet. The shrimp feed on algae, which results in a meaty texture and a mild flavor that is considered ideal for human consumption. There are two types of prawns: wild-caught and farmed. Wild-caught prawns have larger more appealing heads than farmed prawns, but they have less meat and less flavor than farmed prawns. The difference between wild-caught and farmed prawns is that wild-caught prawns are caught using traditional methods such as hand netting or spearing it from the water with an open hook and line, while farmed prawns are harvested using a net pen.
4. Marine Shrimp
Marine shrimp are shrimp that live in the ocean, and they are not farmed or wild-caught. Marine shrimp can be found in the wild, but they can also be farmed in captivity. The difference between marine shrimp and other varieties of shrimp is that they have a high protein content, making them more nutritious than other varieties of shrimp. They also have a very mild flavor which makes them ideal for human consumption.
Spicy Or Not Spicy?
Shrimp
Shrimp are a type of crustacean that are related to lobsters, crabs, and crayfish. This means that they have a hard shell as well as a pincer at the end of their legs and antennae. They are usually very red on the outside, but they can also be white or brown (depending on what they’re cooked with).
Prawns
Prawns are actually shrimped without the hard shell. They have either a blue or red line running down their back and the pincers at their legs are gone. They come in all different colors and have been known to grow up to 2 feet long! Prawns can also be found in restaurants that serve Chinese food, so it is important to check before ordering if you’re not sure what you’ll get.
Shrimp Cocktail
A shrimp cocktail is made when shrimp, sometimes combined with small boiled crabs, is served in a cocktail sauce. It is usually served with a wedge of lemon and crackers on the side.
Shrimp Toast
Shrimp toast is made when shrimp are cooked and are then placed on pieces of bread with a slice of lemon on each piece. The bread is toasted so that the shrimp becomes crispy rather than soft, and it is often topped with mustard sauce.
Which Does Better For Protein?
- Prawns: While shrimp contain more protein, prawns are better for your heart. Prawns are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fight inflammation.
- Shrimp: Shrimp contains more phosphorus than any other seafood. But, they also have a high level of cholesterol, which can increase your risk of heart disease.
- Both: Prawns and shrimp have about the same amount of protein.
- Neither: You will find that there is some debate as to whether or not prawns or shrimp actually have more protein in them than other shellfish such as scallops and lobster (especially when you consider that most shrimp is farmed).
Conclusion
Shrimp and prawns are two of the most common seafood items. They are both seafood, but their meat is different. Shrimp meat is typically lower in protein than prawn meat, but this doesn’t mean it is bad for human food. In fact, shrimp meat can be very good for human food because it is low in calories and has a high protein content.
Prawn meat, however, is typically higher in protein than shrimp meat. This makes prawn meat a better choice for human food because it has plenty of nutrients and calories. Prawn meat is also more versatile than shrimp meat, as it can be used in a variety