Blog

According to the research team at Sustainable Fisheries, the seafood market is worth roughly $102 billion in the United States. With nearly 56% of seafood purchases made in retail outlets, it is important to understand what we are looking at while we shop. With health and sustainability more popular than ever, let’s look at how we can extend those ideals to our next seafood supermarket shopping trip.

In today’s discussion, we are going to take a closer look at our favorite seafood, shrimp. We’ll discover the differences between traditionally caught wild shrimp and their farmed counterparts.

Difference Between Wild Shrimp and Regular Shrimp

For those of us who enjoy cooking at home, making intelligent decisions during shopping can translate to health and taste benefits later. While it may not seem apparent, there are considerable differences between wild Baja shrimp and regular factory-farmed alternatives. While both can be tasty in their own ways, they should never be confused for one another.

All About Farmed Shrimp

According to a report published by the Moore Foundation, the global population is expected to grow by 9 billion people within the next 30 years. To accommodate the generations to come, we must have food production processes in place that are at once effective and healthy. This is where shrimp farming comes into the equation.

There are a variety of benefits that regulated and sustainable shrimp farms can provide not just to consumers but to the environment as well.

• Increased Supply, Limited Resource Consumption – A study put in place by Aaron McNevin of the WWF Markets and Food Program would showcase how farmed shrimp can protect natural resources while improving farming efficiency. McNevin stated, “Farmers can improve their environmental and economic performance at the same time.”
• Global Job Supply – Did you know that shrimp farming is already a multi-billion-dollar industry? Providing jobs to countries around the world, sustainable shrimp farming provides a livelihood often for those who need it the most.
• Responsible Farming Regulations – The World Wildlife Fund has helped to develop a set of standards with the Aquaculture Stewardship Council to hold farmers to higher standards, addressing issues that have plagued the field for generations, in exchange for ASC certification.

While controversial, shrimp farming is a beneficial process that can feed and support the livelihoods of humans around the world. When done under regulatory guidance, shrimp farming can even have a reduced if entirely insubstantial impact on the environment.

All About Wild Baja Shrimp

According to the National Fisheries Institute, the average American consumed over 4.4lbs of shrimp throughout 2020. Needless to say, it looks like shrimp is here to stay. So what makes Wild Baja Shrimp so different from regular shrimp?

• All Natural – When you purchase wild-caught shrimp, such as the Wild Baja Shrimp that comes peeled and deveined by Northern Chef, you’ll get to enjoy 100% all-natural shrimp. No chemicals or water will ever be added to your shrimp. This is particularly important in light of the antibiotic issue we discussed for factory-farmed shrimp.
• Different Taste – Wild shrimp tastes fantastic because these shrimp are sourced from their natural habitat and diets. Wild-caught and only ever frozen once, wild Baja shrimp provide a firm texture with a more distinct and sweet flavor. Farmed shrimp are often forced to undergo unusual diets consisting of chemicals and additives, thus changing the taste and complexion of the shrimp before it ever reaches your plate.
• Better for the Environment – Tai Foong USA prides itself on sourcing wild-caught shrimp from eco-friendly sources. Working alongside sustainable fisheries, the team behind Northern Chef has committed itself entirely to supporting the environment while delivering a better brand of seafood to its clients.
• Price Differences – The final point of consideration for shoppers is price. Farmed shrimp are often sold at a cheaper price as they are typically imported from farms overseas. Wild-caught shrimp will often have a higher price than factory-farmed alternatives. With that being said, quality is the difference when it comes to food and we get what we pay for!

Ultimately, choosing between wild shrimp and regular shrimp will come down to taste, health, sustainability, and price. If you want to enjoy the most natural shrimp possible, then consider purchasing wild shrimp from suppliers like Northern Chef. Unique boutique fishery products sourced from Magdalena Bay in Baja California can make for the ultimate addition to your kitchen.

Explore Sustainable Seafood at Northern Chef

Tai Foong USA is the team behind Northern Chef and other Royal Asia products. Dedicated to providing delicious meals at affordable prices, Tai Foong USA understands how important sustainability is to the food and nutrition market.

Sustainable seafood is defined as seafood that comes from reputable and renewable sources, harvested in regulated ways, under the authentication of a third-party inspection.

All Tai Foong USA purchases go toward benefiting local livelihoods and communities as donations are made to sustainable fisheries, wild and farmed sources. Tai Foong USA is also partnered with the Fishery Improvement Project in Baja California, where they help local fishermen with management, gear, and other sustainable initiatives.