Shrimp lovers everywhere know that Fisherman’s Wharf is famous for its fresh delicious shrimp. But just where does this iconic seafood come from? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the origins and journey of Fisherman’s Wharf shrimp – from sea to plate.
The Warm Waters of the Gulf of Mexico
The shrimp served up at Fisherman’s Wharf originates in the Gulf of Mexico. The warm waters of the Gulf provide an ideal environment for shrimp to thrive and grow. Several species of shrimp are harvested from the Gulf including white shrimp, brown shrimp, pink shrimp, and royal red shrimp.
The most commonly caught shrimp at Fisherman’s Wharf is the white shrimp. These plump, tasty shrimp are found closer to shore in the Gulf’s estuaries and bays. White shrimp have a sweet, mild flavor that makes them perfect for all kinds of seafood dishes.
Sustainably Caught by Local Fishermen
The shrimp destined for Fisherman’s Wharf are caught by local fishermen living along the Gulf Coast. Many of these fishermen represent generations of families who have fished the Gulf for decades.
The fishermen take great pride in catching the shrimp sustainably. They use traditional fishing methods like trawling and cast nets to minimize any impact to the marine environment. Fisherman’s Wharf is committed to supporting these small, local fishing operations.
Brought Straight from the Dock to the Wharf
Once caught, the shrimp are quickly brought back to port and transferred to Fisherman’s Wharf just hours later. The short time from sea to shore helps maintain the shrimp’s freshness and delicate texture.
At the Wharf, the shrimp are sorted, processed, and prepared for sale. You can often see the shrimp being handled right on site. This transparency in processing enables Fisherman’s Wharf to consistently deliver high-quality shrimp.
What Makes Fisherman’s Wharf Shrimp Special?
So what accounts for that amazing sweet flavor in Fisherman’s Wharf shrimp? There are a few key factors that set it apart:
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Freshness – With processing on-site, the shrimp retain their just-caught flavor. There is no time for the flavor and texture to degrade.
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Sustainability – Fisherman’s Wharf only sources from local Gulf fishermen using sustainable practices. No shortcuts are taken.
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Local expertise – Generations of fishing experience go into each catch. Fisherman’s Wharf leverages this expertise.
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Pride – The Wharf takes great pride in providing an excellent end-to-end product. From net to plate, care is taken with the shrimp.
The result is a simply amazing shrimp eating experience you’ll crave again and again!
Enjoy Fisherman’s Wharf Shrimp Year Round
One great thing about Gulf shrimp is that they are available fresh year round. The warm Gulf waters allow for long harvest seasons. Fisherman’s Wharf takes full advantage of this.
No matter the season, you can count on finding jumbo shrimp, white shrimp, and other seasonal varieties at the Wharf markets. Be sure to ask what the current seasonal catch includes on your next visit.
Ways to Savor Fisherman’s Wharf Shrimp
Fisherman’s Wharf shrimp shine in a variety of dishes. Here are just a few delicious ways to prepare them:
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Shrimp cocktail – Served chilled with a zesty cocktail sauce, shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer.
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Sautéed shrimp – Quickly sautéeed with garlic, lemon, and butter for a simple yet elegant dish.
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Shrimp scampi – Lots of garlic, butter, white wine and parsley makes for mouthwatering shrimp scampi.
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Shrimp po’ boy – A Louisiana tradition! Fried shrimp served on a toasted baguette is hard to beat.
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Shrimp tacos – Zesty shrimp tacos with all the fixings are a crowd-pleasing meal.
However you choose to prepare it, you just can’t go wrong with Fisherman’s Wharf shrimp!
Get Your Hands on Fisherman’s Wharf Shrimp
Ready to get cooking with shrimp from this iconic Gulf Coast wharf? Here are some tips for getting your hands on the good stuff:
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Shop the seafood market at Fisherman’s Wharf when visiting the area. You can choose your own fresh-caught shrimp!
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Check grocery stores and seafood markets in the Gulf Coast region. Many carry Fisherman’s Wharf shrimp.
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Order online for delivery across the country. Enjoy Fisherman’s Wharf shrimp no matter where you live.
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Buy in bulk for special events or just to keep plenty on hand. Hosting a boil? Get a few pounds!
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Don’t forget the seasonings and sauces too. Cocktail sauce, Cajun seasoning, and more let you recreate those Wharf flavors.
The next time you’re craving juicy, sweet shrimp, be sure to seek out the iconic catch from Fisherman’s Wharf. Just a bite and you’ll taste why this shrimp is in a league of its own!
Spotted Shrimp. Fisherman’s Wharf
FAQ
Is Fisherman’s Wharf shrimp Farm raised?
Where does the best shrimp in the US come from?
Where do most of the imported shrimp come from?
Where do Costco shrimp come from?
What is fisherman’s wharf famous for?
Fisherman’s Wharf is known for its delicious seafood, including the world famous Dungeness crab, clam chowder, and San Francisco’s cioppino.
Where does shrimp come from?
Fifty-five percent of the global shrimp supply comes from aquaculture, with much of it produced in Asian countries, including China, India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Regardless of where the shrimp comes from, there’s no question that Americans are eating it up.
Does seafood come from a foreign country?
The answer is that although much of the seafood sold in the United States is labeled with a foreign country of origin, some of that same seafood was actually caught in U.S. waters.
Do Americans eat shrimp?
Regardless of where the shrimp comes from, there’s no question that Americans are eating it up. Per SeafoodSource, shrimp has been the most popular seafood choice for U.S. consumers in recent years. Shrimp is so popular, in fact, that Americans ate a whopping 4.4 pounds of it per capita in 2017.