Wild American Shrimp are naturally delicious either frozen or fresh. But if you’re buying fresh shrimp, how can you know your potential purchase is truly fresh?
- Shrimp that have been freshly caught still have the heads on. Heads should be removed before shrimp are frozen, to prevent mushy texture.
- Make sure there is no “fishy” smell. Fresh shrimp, like other seafood, should smell clean, like saltwater, or the sea.
- Next, press the body of the shrimp with your finger. If your finger leaves an indentation, that shrimp isn’t fresh. The flesh of a fresh one will spring back.
- Similarly, check the legs. Rub your finger along the legs, and if they easily come back in place, that is a fresh shrimp.
- Are the eyes intact and glossy? Choose those.
Here, Chef Todd Mohr shows what to look for at the seafood market (no matter where you are):
Now that you know you have fresh shrimp, here’s a delicious dish to try from Chef Michael DeBuono!
https://americanshrimp.com/recipes/ruby-red-wild-american-shrimp-ceviche/#.XQKTJm9KjVo
Looking for your own wild-caught American shrimp? Order straight from our processors for yourself or wholesale!


You’ll Love This Recipe for Shrimp & Okra Gumbo!