Shellfish, Shrimp

Shrimp is America’s favorite shellfish.

In general, shrimp can be divided into two broad categories - warm-water shrimp and cold-water shrimp. Those hailing from the colder waters are smaller and have more succulent meat.

The size categories, which determine price, are: colossal (10 or less per pound), jumbo (11-15), extra-large (16-20), large (21-30), medium (31-35), small (36-45) and miniature (about 100).

Shrimp is low in fat and calories, and provides an excellent source of protein, selenium and vitamin D, plus a good source of vitamin B12, niacin and iron.

The most eco-friendly shrimp are northern shrimp (Canada) or Oregon pink shrimp.

The Benefits

  • Special diets: Autoimmune Paleo Diet, Candida Diet, Diabetic, Gluten-Free Diet, Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free Diet, Grain-Free Diet, High Protein Diet, Low Carb Diet, Low FODMAP Diet, Low Oxalate Diet, Low Starch Diet, Paleo Diet (Light), Paleo Diet (Strict), PCOS Diet, Pescetarian Diet, Primal Diet, Thyroid Diet, Whole Food
  • Excellent Source of: Protein, Selenium, VitaminD, EPA DHA Omega-3
  • Good Source of: Iron, VitaminB12, Copper, Niacin, Phosphorous
  • Preferences: No Fish, No Red Meat, No Pork, No Eggs, No Gluten, No Nuts, No Seeds, No Soy, No Dairy, No Poultry, No Corn, No Yeast, No Peanuts, No Molds, No Pseudograins, No Coconut, No Citrus, No Nightshade, No Legumes, No Grains, Low Carbohydrate, Low Fat, Low Sodium, Low Sugars, Low Saturated Fat

Selecting and Storing

Shrimp is available in many forms—raw (shelled or unshelled), cooked, fresh frozen or canned. Raw shrimp should have a pleasant briny smell with no ammonia odor. Raw shrimp can be kept in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped, for 2 days; cooked shrimp will keep up to 3 days stored in the same manner. Frozen shrimp will keep for up to 3 months. Healing Gourmet recommends organic shrimp, fresh frozen. Buying organic shrimp ensures the shrimp are antibiotic-free, hormone-free, preservative-free, and 100% organic.

Nutrition Information