The Ruby Royals are in!! ( Best shrimp ever)

[fishnfla]

This is the time of year for these babies, Feb into March. Some folks call them Royal Reds, they go by other names as well. I guess they come from deep, deep water of the Gulf. These things are sweet, taste just like lobster. They are not much to look at, their shells are all beat up looking, not firm like other fresh shrimp, but you can recognize them by their color ( one store had to remind its customers that they are uncooked, when they are raw they have a deep pink color) and their price. right now first of the season 11.99/ lb, fresh ( 16-21), it goes down to 8.99 in March.

If you see these things give them a try, but go easy. Light steam and drawn butter thats it. Dont have to over power or put in an ettoufee or gumbo.

For special occasions, I make shrimp bisque with them. Great color and flavor

[Stinky The Clown]

1. The best in the world, no doubt.

Actually, the worst of Gulf shrimp beats the hell out of those mushy, farm raised Asian shrimp.

The Asian shrimp is always so nicely packaged ..... and pre-split and pre-deveined. The American shrimp, at best, is IQF, and often sold in 5 lb blocks of ice with shrimp in it.

[Native]

3. Not to mention the farm raised crap is filled with carcinogens! n/t

[Native]

2. Born & raised in Florida - always lived on the water, and this is the first I've heard of these!

Wow! We're on the gulf side of the state now, and we actually have a decent shrimping industry that works out of our channel, local (can ride my bike to) seafood store, and yet I buy my shrimp @ Whole Foods because I like their flash frozen Key West pinks. I can open a bag & whip out a handful whenever I'm in the mood. I would have no idea how to go about getting the shrimp you're talking about. Can you point me in the right direction? I'd love to try them - they sound spectacular!!!

[Callalily]

4. Thanks for the tip.

Being from the Midwest, always have to rely on fresh-frozen. But MANY years ago, was scuba diving on the golf side of Florida, and came across some scrimp boats. They traded us a case of beer for a bucket of. Well in that bucket were fabulous shrimp and wonderful lobster. we thought we got the better of the deal, and I'm sure they did too.