Today marks National Shrimp Day, a day to indulge in and appreciate the delicious crustacean that has become a staple in American cuisine. For the Northern Gulf Coast, which includes the shores of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, shrimp holds a special significance as a source of food, economic growth, and cultural heritage.

Shrimp Has a Flavorful History

Shrimp has been a part of the human diet for thousands of years. Archaeological remains of shrimp jaws have been found dating back to around 165,000 years ago. In the Northern Gulf Coast region, shrimp has been a part of the local cuisine since the 1700s. By the mid-1700s, Mobile, Alabama had established itself as a premier seafood spot thanks to the abundance of shrimp and other fish.

The Northern Gulf Coast: A Shrimping Haven

The warm, nutrient-rich waters of the Gulf of Mexico provide an ideal environment for shrimp to thrive, making the Northern Gulf Coast one of the most productive shrimping regions in the world. The area is home to four main commercial shrimp species: white shrimp, brown shrimp, pink shrimp, and Royal Red Shrimp. These shrimp are known for their unique flavors and textures, with Royal Red Shrimp being a highly prized delicacy

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Celebrating National Shrimp Day

• National Shrimp Day provides an opportunity for shrimp lovers and coastal communities to celebrate the crustacean's importance to the region. Here are some ways to celebrate:
• Enjoy a shrimp feast at one of the many seafood restaurants in the area, featuring local specialties like shrimp and grits, shrimp po'boys, and shrimp gumbo.
• Purchase fresh shrimp from local seafood markets or directly from fishermen to support the regional economy and enjoy the freshest catch possible.
• Learn about sustainable shrimping practices and how they contribute to preserving the Gulf Coast ecosystem.

How many ways are there to eat Shrimp?

In the movie "Forrest Gump," the character Benjamin Buford "Bubba" Blue, played by Mykelti Williamson, passionately lists numerous ways to cook shrimp. His famous line from the movie was…

“Anyway, like I was saying, shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can bar-b-q it, boil it, broil it, bake it, sauté it, they’s shrimp kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo and pan fried, deep-fried, stir-fried, they's pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich, that's that's about it.”

Bubba actually omitted a couple of ways to serve shrimp, so we’ve created our own list beginning with all the ways Bubba mentioned. Can you think of any other ways “shrimps” are served? 

1. Bar-B-Q Shrimp
2. Boiled shrimp
3. Broiled Shrimp
4. Baked Shrimp
5. Sautéed Shrimp
6. Shrimp kabobs
7. Shrimp creole
8. Shrimp gumbo
9. Pan-Fried Shrimp
10. Deep-fried shrimp
11. Stir-fried shrimp
12. Pineapple shrimp
13. Lemon shrimp
14. Coconut shrimp
15. Pepper shrimp
16. Shrimp soup
17. Shrimp stew
18. Shrimp salad
19. Shrimp and potatoes
20. Shrimp burger
21. Shrimp sandwich
22. Steamed Shrimp
23. Shrimp Cocktails 

Numbers of and types of Shrimp:

According to Wild American Shrimp, there are over 2,000 species of shrimp worldwide, but the Northern Gulf of Mexico is primarily home to four main commercial species: white shrimp, brown shrimp, pink shrimp, and Royal Red Shrimp.

White shrimp: White shrimp are usually found in shallow waters and are characterized by their light gray or bluish-green color. They are known for their tender texture and sweet flavor. White shrimp are abundant during the summer months in the Northern Gulf of Mexico.

Brown shrimp: Brown shrimp are found in deeper waters than white shrimp and are known for their reddish-brown color. They have a firm texture and a slightly stronger flavor than white shrimp. Brown shrimp are most abundant in the Northern Gulf of Mexico from late spring to early fall.

Pink shrimp: Pink shrimp are the least common of the three commercial species in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. They are characterized by their pink color and are typically found in deeper waters. They have a sweet and mild flavor, similar to white shrimp, and are usually harvested from winter to early spring.

Royal Red Shrimp: Royal Reds is another species found in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. These deep-water shrimp are highly prized for their unique taste and texture. Royal Red Shrimp live at depths of 1,200 to 2,400 feet, much deeper than the white, brown, and pink shrimp species. Because of their deep-water habitat, they are not as easily accessible and are considered a delicacy. They are characterized by their striking red color, even before being cooked, and have a rich, slightly sweet, and buttery flavor. Their texture is firm, somewhat similar to lobster.

Due to their depth and the specialized equipment needed to harvest them, Royal Red Shrimp are not as commonly available as the other shrimp species from the Northern Gulf of Mexico. However, when they are in season, typically during the summer months, they can be found in some seafood markets and restaurants along the Gulf Coast.

Celebrating National Shrimp Day on the Northern Gulf Coast:

National Shrimp Day provides an opportunity for shrimp lovers and coastal communities to celebrate the crustacean's importance to the region. Here are some ways to celebrate National Shrimp Day on the Northern Gulf Coast:

• 
  Enjoy a Shrimp Feast: Whether you prefer your shrimp grilled, fried, steamed or boiled, indulge in a shrimp-focused meal at one of the many seafood restaurants in the area. Don't forget to try some local specialties like shrimp and grits, shrimp po'boys, and shrimp gumbo.
• 
  Attend a Shrimp Festival: Numerous shrimp festivals take place along the Northern Gulf Coast throughout the year, showcasing local seafood, live music, arts, and crafts. The National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores takes place on the second weekend in October.
• 
  Support Local Businesses: Purchase fresh shrimp from local seafood markets or directly from fishermen to support the regional economy and enjoy the freshest catch possible.
• 
  Learn About Sustainable Shrimping: National Shrimp Day is also a great time to learn about sustainable shrimping practices and how they contribute to preserving the Gulf Coast ecosystem. Many organizations, like the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Shareholders' Alliance, work to promote sustainable fishing practices and protect the region's marine life.

National Shrimp Day is a celebration of the flavorful crustacean that has become an essential part of American cuisine and a pillar of the Northern Gulf Coast's economy and culture.