Today in our guide to seafood from A to Z we talk about one of the most outstanding products of Mariscos Apolo, a product that has become an essential part of our diet regardless of the time of year in which we are, the White Prawn.
It is a star dish in the starters of Christmas meals, but also during the summer it is one of the main tapas and servings in the bars and beach bars of our coasts. And the fact is that… who can resist some exquisite cooked white prawns and a bit of coarse salt?
The white shrimp (parapenaeus longirostris) is a crustacean with an elongated body that can reach up to 20 cm in length in the case of females, and up to 16 cm in males. The white shrimp has a pale pink hue, except for the gastric area, where it appears violet due to its translucency.
It is a very stylized shrimp, which makes it easy to identify. Its body is smooth, elongated and somewhat flattened on the sides. It has a long rostrum, with a small beak slightly curved upwards, eight similar saw teeth on the top, spines on the head, and a dorsal crest on the last three segments of the abdomen. The telson, which is the last abdominal segment that serves as a tail, ends in three large, sharp, fixed teeth.
Of all the varieties of shrimp that exist, the white shrimp is the most exquisite and delicate.
Its consumption is very common in our diet, and for this reason we can find it in the markets during all seasons of the year. Among its different presentation formats, we can find it cooked and presented with coarse salt; grilled, also presented with coarse salt; or cooked and peeled as part of an exquisite dish, such as rice. In any of its versions it is easy to enjoy the unmistakable delicate flavor of the white shrimp.
Properties of white shrimp
The white shrimp has a high nutritional value and a low fat content, which makes it ideal for a healthy diet, although its cholesterol and purine concentrations are relatively high. Water represents almost 80% of its composition, and it also provides our organism with a notable amount of proteins.
It is also notable for its iodine content, which is beneficial for the metabolism, but also for strengthening skin, nails and hair, helping to maintain natural beauty. In addition to iodine, it also contains other minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, essential for bones.
Where to fish
Among the different origins of the white shrimp, three origins stand out: Huelva, Turkey and Greece.
The Huelva shrimp is recognized worldwide as one of the most popular and acclaimed of Spanish gastronomy. Its popularity has led to different fairs being held under its name, such as those of Punta Umbria, Isla Cristina or Huelva. The Turkish white shrimp is also well recognized internationally, along with the Huelva shrimp. And finally, the Greek white shrimp, more sought after than the Greek red shrimp.
