Shrimp Sizes report

Shrimp has always been one of the most popular seafood worldwide, and more than a quarter of the world's total seafood is eaten every year. There are many types of shrimp, and there are currently more than 2,000 species known. At the same time, shrimp also has a high nutritional value for diet therapy and can be used as a medicinal material. As an ingredient so popular around the world, how to choose the best from a bunch of shrimps has been a problem.

What does it mean when a recipe calls for medium, large, or extra-large shrimp? What is the difference between extra large and jumbo shrimp? Let's take a closer look at shrimp sizes and clear up any confusion. In the seafood industry, shrimp are sold by their quantity per pound. The number on the label will indicate the number of shrimp in the package. If it reads 21/25, there should be from 21 to 25 shrimp in each pound.

It seems like there are as many different shrimp sizes as there are fish in the sea. From mini to colossal or other sizes in between, simply buying shrimp at the grocery store can feel overwhelming. Shrimp sizing does not have to be confusing. The following shrimp sizing guide covers all of your questions.

Shrimp Sizing Guide

There are several common shrimp sizes that you are likely to encounter. From largest to smallest, they are:

• Colossal
• Jumbo
• Large
• Medium
• Mini

You may also see shrimp labeled extra-large, medium-large, small and tiny. And that is because these sizing terms are not regulated. One store’s jumbo shrimp could be larger than another outlet’s extra-large shrimp.

Shrimp Size Chart

Here is a general list of size designations and counts per pound, where the "U" means "under," the slash between numbers denotes a range of shrimp in a pound. The lower the number, the larger the shrimp. The per-pound counts below refer to peeled, and deveined shrimp, which means any shells, tails, and heads have been removed.

Types of shrimp

• White shrimp: These are on the sweeter side but tend to taste nuttier than pink shrimp. There are also Chinese white shrimp and Mexican white shrimp, which are farmed species and not wild-caught (usually less sustainable).
• Pink shrimp: These are the little pink guys you will typically see behind the seafood counter. They're pink when raw, hence the name.
• Tiger shrimp: These little fellas are characterized by their stripes and can become quite large, but they tend to be farmed and not very sustainable.
• Rock shrimp: While they start in hard shells, they're typically deshelled before they are sold. They are often compared to lobster because of their firm texture, and you can substitute them for lobster as a more affordable protein.
• Brown shrimp: They have a more mineral flavor than white and pink shrimp, containing more iodine. The shrimp turn pink once they are cooked and are commonly used in dishes like gumbo.
• Royal red shrimp: Named after their bright red color, they're also often compared to lobster because of their rich flavor and firm texture.

One thing to keep in mind is that the size designation is not standard. What one store or vendor might call "Large," another might call "Jumbo." It's best to shop according to count, calculating how many shrimp you'll need for each person.