Welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: December 21st, 2021. Today is National French Fried Shrimp Day. I should prepare dinner for Charlie and David and make them Popcorn Shrimp which they both enjoy. But I don’t and would make myself some Soup. Would you like to have dinner with Charlie and David and have Shrimp? Or share a cup of Soup with me?
National French Fried Shrimp Day
Seafood lovers across the Nation rejoice on National French Fried Shrimp Day, December 21st. The Holiday is dedicated to Fried Shrimp. This dish is enjoyed by many, especially Americans. Shrimp is, not surprisingly, a Seafood favorite among Americans and Shrimp is consumed more than any other Seafood. French Fried Shrimp isn’t French but is a recipe that simply refers to Shrimp that has been Deep-Fried in fat; the same way thin strips of Potatoes are deep-fried to make French Fries. On National French Fried Shrimp Day, make sure to munch on this crunchy American favorite!
HISTORY OF NATIONAL FRENCH FRIED SHRIMP DAY
Humans have been eating Shrimp since they have been on Earth, according to Archeological evidence. Several sources argue that Ancient Romans and Greeks, in particular, were extremely fond of Shrimp, called Squilla, and preferred to other variations of Crustaceans. The food writer Marcus Gavius Apicius shed light on the Shrimp situation during the Fourth or Fifth Century AD in his compilation of Culinary Writings. According to this ancient Cookbook, Greeks liked to cook large Shrimp and wrap them in Fig Leaves. While Romans roasted Shrimp and drizzled Honey over the top.
While the origins of French-Fried Shrimp are yet to be confirmed, we do know Shrimp has a long history in the Culinary world. Americans have probably been eating Shrimp at home for Centuries since it was widely available from Southern Waters in early America. Shrimp didn’t create waves in American Cookbooks until after the Civil War in 1865 when Shrimp became available in cans. Shrimp Salad is whole Shrimp piled up on Lettuce with Mayonnaise Dressing. Is a popular delicacy, especially among women.
Variations of Shrimp dishes broke out Countrywide after the Shrimp salad became a hot item on the menu. Shrimp Cocktails became a staple at Bougie Banquets during the early 20th Century. The recipe was quite similar to that of the Shrimp Salad, but with an extra zing. Instead of Mayonnaise, Cocktail Sauce was added, which was similar to Oyster Sauce, mixed with extra Lemon or Vinegar. Horseradish, Tabasco, or Worcestershire Sauce can be used.
Fried Shrimp is also thought to have first appeared on menus during the early 20th Century, but the Breaded version of Shrimp did not gain popularity until after World World II ended in 1945. This is due to Pre-cooked Frozen Shrimp entering the market and appearing on Supermarket shelves. Shrimp dinners became available across the Nation, even in Drive-ins, because Pre-cooked Shrimp was a relatively cheap meal.
Today, Shrimp’s popularity has grown even more, and is the average American’s favorite Seafood. More than 650 million pounds of Shrimp are harvested by the United States per year, and another 200 million is imported.
HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL FRENCH FRIED SHRIMP DAY
- The number one thing to do on National French Fried Shrimp Day is to eat French Fried Shrimp and not feel guilty about eating Fried Foods. If you know how to fry Shrimp at home, do that. If not go to your favorite restaurant like Red Lobster or Long John Silvers that serve Fried Shrimp.
- Rest assured, if the statistics are anything to go by, many of your friends probably love Shrimp as much as you do. Consider holding a French-Fried Shrimp feast in celebration of National French Fried Shrimp Day. Make the Shrimp Festival extra Shrimpy by adding Seafood decorations throughout your home or hold an outdoor gathering if you have space.
- Do you love Fried Shrimp? Then why not experiment with different flavors and recipes to add an extra zing to the Holiday. There are loads of flavors you can try. Why not Coconut Fried Shrimp with Orange Marmalade Shrimp? Share your creation online with anyone who loves Shrimp.
5 FACTS ABOUT SHRIMP
- A Shrimp averages about six inches but the longest Shrimp found was 18 inches.
- There are over 128 species of Shrimp, to be precise.
- Shrimp that has been Boiled or Sautéed, usually in Butter and Garlic is called ‘Scampi’.
- Over five billion pounds of Shrimp are produced every single year.
- Some Shrimp glow in the dark and some Shrimp can even change from male to female!
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL FRENCH FRIED SHRIMP DAY
- know we are stating the obvious, but do we need a better excuse to eat French Fried Shrimp than we already do? Sit back, and munch on the delicious and satisfying dish.
- While you may be eating Shrimp on National French Fried Shrimp Day, it’s also a time to appreciate how fascinating Shrimp are as creatures. Despite having very small brains, Shrimp actually show rather complex behaviors, according to research. Shrimp can also live up to 20 years in captivity.
- Forget about the deep-frying part which isn’t good for us every day. However, Shrimp are relatively good for us to eat. Shrimp contains high levels of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and low levels of Mercury. This Seafood is also high in Calcium, Iodine, and Protein!
Thank you.
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
