Every year shrimp enthusiasts across the United States celebrate National Shrimp Day. This delicious and versatile crustacean has become a staple in American cuisine. 

In the U.S. the shrimp has become synonymous with southern, Gulf Coast cuisine. Maybe because of Forrest Gump, or possible because of the creativity of our local residents. We celebrate Shrimp Fest in October but it is National Shrimp Day and we'll celebrate the amazing connection it has to our Gulf Coast.

A Flavorful History:

When did people start eating shrimp? According to Scientific American, researchers excavating a cave on the southern coast of South Africa discovered a bowl's worth of edible shellfish dating back to about 165,000 years ago, when Africa was colder and drier—pushing back the earliest known seafood meal by 40,000 years.

National Shrimp Day originated in the late 19th or early 20th century however, there is no specific date that we could find where National Shrimp Day began.

The National Shrimp Day was created to celebrate the cultural, economic, and environmental significance of shrimp. For the Northern Gulf Coast, which includes the shores of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, shrimp has been a source of food and economic growth for generations.

According to Wild American Shrimp, “By the mid-1700s, Mobile, Alabama had established itself as a premiere seafood spot thanks to the abundance of shrimp and fish like snapper.” And, “In 1774, an early traveler in Louisiana, Le Page du Pratz, noted that shrimp were being fished in the lakes south of New Orleans with large nets brought from France. Using small skiffs or wading in shallow waters, shrimp were caught with seine nets along the bays and beaches.”

The Northern Gulf Coast: A Shrimping Haven:

The waters of the Northern Gulf Coast are teeming with shrimp, particularly white and brown varieties. The warm, nutrient-rich waters of the Gulf of Mexico provide an ideal environment for shrimp to thrive, making it one of the most productive shrimping regions in the world. In addition to providing a significant portion of the country's shrimp supply, the Northern Gulf Coast is also home to many fishing communities, processing plants, and seafood markets that depend on the shrimp industry for their livelihood.

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 left out a couple of ways to serve shrimp, so we’ve created our own list beginning with all of 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. Sauteed 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 (Litopenaeus setiferus), brown shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus), pink shrimp (Farfantepenaeus duorarum), and Royal Red Shrimp (Pleoticus robustus).

• 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.
  

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. Where to eat Shrimp in the Orange Beach Area.
• 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.