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Frozen shrimp comes in various types that differ based on size, species, and whether they have been processed in any way. This gives businesses a wide range of options when purchasing shrimp wholesale.
Size
Some of the most commonly available frozen shrimp sizes are those that are measured in counts per pound. For instance, the larger ones have lower count numbers, such as U/10 or U/12, meaning there are 10 to 12 shrimp in a single clutch. In contrast, the smaller shrimp can get counts of 31 to 40 per pound. The size of shrimp a business decides to purchase often depends on customer demand or the intended use in recipes.
Species
Some of the most popular species of frozen shrimp include blackjack, white, pink, and tiger. The most readily available and popular shrimp species are the vannamei or white shrimp and penaeus monodon, or tiger shrimp. While white shrimp have a mild, sweet flavor that makes them ideal for a variety of dishes, tiger shrimp are larger and have a more pronounced, meaty taste. Other less common species include the royal red shrimp and mediterranean pink shrimp.
Grades
Like other products, shrimp is also graded based on its quality, with the most common ones being premium, standard, and economy grade. Premium-grade shrimp typically have the highest quality, and they are mainly the large sized ones that are either sold fresh or frozen. These usually have a firm texture and great flavor and are mostly used by the high-end food service establishments or consumers. The standard grade has quality shrimp that is also frozen but may have minor defects, such as a soft shell or slight discoloration. Economy grade is the category that contains small-sized shrimp or those with low quality. While they may not be as visually impressive, they are often more affordable and suitable for dishes with heavy seasoning or for use in processing.
Organic and sustainable options
With many consumers now being environmentally conscious, many shrimp brands offer organic shrimp that are certified by relevant authorities and sustainably farmed or caught shrimp options. These are usually raised without antibiotics or harmful chemicals and are therefore the healthiest option for the consumer. Sustainably sourced shrimp have eco-friendly practices where they don't damage natural habitats or contribute to overfishing.
Frozen shrimp is a very versatile ingredient that can be used in many different culinary applications across various cuisines. The following are some of the most common ways frozen shrimp is used in food businesses and restaurants.
Soups and stews
Frozen shrimp can be used to make popular soups and stews such as shrimp bisque, Thai tom yum soup, gumbo, and others. It adds flavor and protein to these dishes. Buyers may need to source different types of frozen shrimp for different cuisines based on their size or how they are processed.
Appetizers
Shrimp is a very popular appetizer, and no restaurant can go wrong with including shrimp cocktails, scampi, fried shrimp, or shrimp kabobs on their menu. For this, buyers need to stock either raw, peeled and deveined frozen shrimp, or shrimp that has been breaded or pre-marinated for convenience. Shrimp appetizers are most commonly served in the western cuisine.
Main courses
Frozen shrimp can be used in many main course dishes, from stir-fries to pasta and curries to paella. Shrimp scampi, shrimp alfredo, shrimp curry, and jumbo shrimp are just a few of the popular options. Buyers may need to purchase certain sizes or species based on the recipes they want to use.
Tacos and wraps
In regions like Mexico and the southwestern US, frozen shrimp is a popular filling for tacos or wraps. Shrimp mojado, shrimp tacos dorados, grilled shrimp tacos, and spicy shrimp po'boys are some of the shrimp tacos and wraps businesses can include in their offerings. For these meals, buyers can purchase either raw shrimp or marinated/seasoned ones depending on how their customers prefer them.
Sushi and sashimi
While fresh shrimp is preferred for making authentic sushi and sashimi, high-quality frozen shrimp can also be a viable option for businesses operating in areas where fresh seafood is hard to come by. Additionally, frozen shrimp can still be used in other shrimp-based sushi rolls like shrimp tempura rolls or ebi nigiri.
Salads
In many places, shrimp is a popular addition to salads. Shrimp cocktail, caesar salad with shrimp, creole shrimp salad, and thai shrimp salad are some of the more popular salad recipes that include shrimp. For this, buyers need to get their hands on cooked, peeled, and deveined frozen shrimp since salads are cold dishes.
There are several benefits of frozen shrimp, both for the consumer and the supplier. Here are the various benefits:
Long shelf life
One of the main benefits of frozen shrimp is that it can be stored for a long time without going bad. This makes it a very handy pantry item that allows consumers to always have shrimp on hand for their cooking needs without worrying about it going off as long as they keep it at the right storage temperatures. For restaurants and wholesalers, the long shelf life reduces food waste and allows them to plan their menus more effectively.
Cost-effective
Freezing shrimp helps to reduce its cost by extending its availability all year round and eliminating seasonal price fluctuations. Additionally, since frozen shrimp can be purchased in bulk, wholesalers and businesses enjoy economies of scale and are therefore able to pass on the savings to their customers.
Convenience
Frozen shrimp is often a more convenient option than fresh shrimp since it is usually cleaned, peeled, and deveined, saving the consumer the hassle of having to do any extra work before cooking. Some frozen shrimp may even have additional processing like being breaded or marinated. The option to purchase bulk frozen shrimp means that restaurants can quickly and efficiently prepare meals without the extra labor involved in processing shrimp.
Consistency in quality
Freezing shrimp right after it has been harvested helps to preserve its freshness, flavor, and nutritional value. This ensures consumers will have the same great tasting shrimp every time they buy it, and restaurants can continue to provide consistent quality in their meals. Moreover, frozen shrimp is available year-round regardless of season or location, which means consumers have access to a variety of shrimp regardless of where they are or what time of the year it is.
Reduced food safety risks
Freezing shrimp at the recommended temperatures helps to kill off any potential parasites or bacteria that may be present on it. This reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses and gives consumers peace of mind that the shrimp they are eating is safe. For businesses, purchasing high-quality frozen shrimp from reputable brands helps to mitigate food safety risks and avoid costly recalls or closures.
Storing frozen shrimp properly is important for businesses to maintain its quality, flavor, and safety. The following are some of the best practices buyers should implement when storing frozen shrimp:
Maintain consistent temperature
Buyers should ensure their shrimp is stored in a freezer that consistently maintains a temperature of 0°F or -18°C since this is the ideal temperature for storing shrimp. Any fluctuation in temperature will start to thaw the shrimp, leading to a loss in quality and safety. To prevent this, buyers should frequently check the temperature of their freezers and using a separate thermometer to monitor it. Since shrimp is already at a very low temperature, there is no need to let it cool before putting it in a freezer.
Proper packaging
Freezer burn occurs when shrimp is exposed to air in the freezer, leading to dried-out shrimp with an off flavor and tough texture. To prevent this, buyers should ensure the shrimp is tightly wrapped in moisture-resistant packaging like vacuum-sealed bags, heavy-duty plastic wrap, or airtight containers. They can also rewrap shrimp in new packaging if the initial packaging has been broken or is damaged to ensure it stays fresh. Room temperature can add to freezer burn, so buyers should ensure their shrimp is stored in the coldest part of the freezer.
Keep it organized
Buyers should keep their frozen shrimp in their order by brand, type, and size. This will help to make it easy to search for a certain type, prevent it from being forgotten about, and ensure it is used on time. Buyers can label shrimp packaging with the date it was frozen to help keep track of how long it has been stored. It is no doubt that shrimp will still be safe to eat after it is been stored for a long time, but it may lose its quality. To this end, buyers should plan to use older shrimp first to prevent it from going past its best date.
Monitor storage conditions
Shrimp should be stored at a consistent temperature, and the freezer should not be overloaded to the point that air cannot circulate around the shrimp since this could lead to uneven freezing. At the same time, buyers should not let their freezers get too empty so that the temperature fluctuates due to the empty spaces. To this end, buyers should aim to keep their freezers at capacity. Buyers should also ensure any ice or frost in the freezers is regularly defrosted to maintain optimal storage conditions and prevent ice buildup that can cause freezer burn.
Use indentation and cohesive rules
Frozen shrimp can be stored for a long time, but to preserve its quality, it should be used within a reasonable time. Shrimp that is properly stored in airtight packaging can last up to 6 months in a home freezer and up to 12 months in a commercial freezer. Buyers should follow the "first in, first out" (FIFO) principle to prevent older stock from being used and ensure shrimp is used within its best-by date.
Frozen shrimp suppliers offer all kinds of shrimp, from raw to cooked, organic to traditional, and whole to processed, to buyers looking to purchase bulk shrimp. Here are the various benefits buyers of all kinds of frozen shrimp can enjoy by working with reputable suppliers.
Access to a wide range of products
Since reliable suppliers source from different brands and manufacturers, they stock various types of frozen shrimp by species, size, and whether or not it is processed. This means buyers can get all kinds of shrimp from raw to cooked, organic to traditional, and whole to breaded, and processed in one place.
Consistent quality
Reputable shrimp suppliers only work with trusted brands that are known to offer high-quality frozen seafood consistently. They also ensure the shrimp is handled and stored properly at every stage of the supply chain to maintain its quality, flavor, and freshness.
Competitive pricing
Since reliable suppliers have a large inventory, they are able to negotiate lower prices with brands and therefore pass the discounts to buyers. This means buyers can source high-quality frozen shrimp at wholesale prices and still make a good profit.
Reliable supply
Because reputable shrimp suppliers are experienced with the market, they can anticipate demand and ensure the right stock is available all year round. This means buyers can always get the shrimp they need, whether it is a seasonal specialty or a year-round staple. They also have a large stock of bulk frozen shrimp so they can easily fill big orders without delay.
Expert guidance
While not a requirement, many of the reputable suppliers have actually industry knowledge and experience to help buyers choose the right brands and types of frozen shrimp for their customers. Plus, they have all the information on the market, including the most trending shrimp species and sizes, as well as which shrimp is currently flying off the shelf. They can help buyers select the most in-demand options to keep their customers happy.
Fast shipping and delivery
Reputable shrimp suppliers have the systems to manage orders quickly and efficiently. They ensure all orders are processed in a timely manner, and buyers receive their shipments on time, every time. Many also offer same-day shipping to ensure buyers can quickly get their hands on shrimp when they need it the most. They also use insulated packaging and temperature-controlled transport to keep the shrimp frozen during delivery.
Responsive customer service
The customer service teams at reliable shrimp suppliers are well trained and experienced to handle all their inquiries, issues, or complaints quickly and professionally. They are also responsive and available to assist at any time a buyer needs them. They treat clients like partners and are open and honest with them. By providing clear communication and being upfront about prices, availability, and any potential issues, buyers will always know what to expect.
A1. When frozen properly, high-quality shrimp can retain its flavor, texture, and nutritional value similar to fresh shrimp. It is therefore a very convenient way to offer customers shrimp all year round.
A2. Yes, frozen shrimp is safe to eat, especially when it is sourced from reputable suppliers who purchase it from trusted brands that adhere to food safety practices. Buyers should also ensure they properly handle and store the shrimp to maintain its safety.
A3. When stored at 0°F (-18°C) or below, frozen shrimp can last up to 6 months in a restaurant freezer without a decline in quality. It can last up to 12 months in a commercial freezer.
A4. When stored at 0°F (-18°C) or below, frozen shrimp can last up to 6 months in a restaurant freezer without a decline in quality. It can last up to 12 months in a commercial freezer.
A5. Buyers can look for indicators like clear packaging, no ice crystals, and the absence of freezer burn. They can also choose shrimp from reputable brands known for their quality and read reviews from other customers.
A6. This depends on the customer’s preference. Cooked shrimp is a more convenient option for customers who want quick preparation, while uncooked shrimp offers more versatility for customers who want to marinate or season their shrimp themselves.
