Get Your Shrimp Together! Unshell These Fun Facts for National Shrimp Day!
Get Your Shrimp Together! Unshell These Fun Facts for National Shrimp Day!
They’re tiny, tasty and tenacious. On May 10, we’re turning our appetites to one of Louisiana’s most beloved crustaceans: the humble shrimp. In honor of National Shrimp Day, we’re diving antennae-first into some of the biggest questions you never knew you had about this little local legend.
How long have we been shrimping around here?
Shrimping in the Gulf isn’t new; it’s been going strong since the early 1800s. Generations of families have made their livelihoods on these waters, with an incredible work ethic and plenty of knowledge passed down through the years.
How many legs does a shrimp even have?
More than you’d guess. Shrimp sport 10 legs … plus two pairs of antennae they use to feel, taste, smell and generally make sense of the world around them. They may be smaller than other aquatic critters, but they come equipped!
Wait ... the heart is where?
Believe it or not, a shrimp’s heart is located in its head. That’s right -- head and heart are one and the same in the world of shrimp. (Take note, fellow romantics.)
How many kinds of shrimp are there?
Globally, there are more than 2,000 different species of shrimp, but here in Louisiana, two types dominate the scene: brown shrimp and white shrimp. Each has its own flavor … and fan base.
Just how much shrimp are we talking about?
At the Golden Meadow-Fourchon Tarpon Rodeo, between 1,200 to 1,500 pounds of shrimp are cooked each year. That’s a whole lot of tails, and even more happy taste buds.
Why do we love them so much?
Beyond their role in our local economy and ecosystems, shrimp are simply delicious. Whether you like ‘em boiled, fried, grilled or tossed into a gumbo, they’re a staple in Cajun kitchens for good reason.
This Shrimp Day, give a little recognition to the creatures with the legs of a spider, the heart of a poet, and the power to bring an entire community together around a boiling pot. From bayou to the boil, shrimp prove that the biggest (and most flavorful) things sometimes come in the smallest packages. (Though if we’re being honest, Louisiana shrimp aren’t THAT small!)
