Buy shrimp online?Shrimp? We say, yes. After doing some research, we've come to an interesting recommendation: The best frozen shrimp comes from the Arizona desert.
Fresh Shrimp gets a thumbs-up from nutritionists because it’s low in fat and calories. And while yes, shrimp is high in cholesterol, it’s the HDL “good” cholesterol.
But on the downside, consumer demand has led to massive shrimp farming operations in Asia. In Bangladesh alone, shrimp rank as the second-biggest export.
A new study predicts potential major environmental consequences throughout that region, as ancient mangrove swamps make way for more aquaculture ponds. And shrimp in these ponds easily contract and spread disease.
Shrimp from Arizona
Cut scene to Gila Bend, Arizona, Yes, Arizona! Several local farmers – some who have farmed the area for generations – have discovered the desert climate is perfect for sustainable shrimp farm operations. So much so, in fact, that the town of Gila Bend celebrates its
Annual Shrimp Festival
each November.
Water for the shrimp ponds comes from local well water with a high mineral content -- in which the shrimp thrive. And the scorching heat naturally keeps water where shrimp like it, at about 85 to 90 degrees. Shrimp breed in salt water, but other than that can happily live in fresh water.
Why does it taste so good?
Away from salt and ocean pollutants, the Arizona shrimp develop about a quarter less iodine, which can lend shrimp a bitter taste.
Result? Exceptionally sweet shrimp, minimal environmental impact and reasonable consumer prices (average $8 to $13 per pound). It's possibly the best frozen food deal for gourmet seafood lovers.
What we like best
We recommend
Desert Sweet Shrimp Farm
which have caught the attention of top chefs, some of whom consider Arizona shrimp the highest quality in the world.
