Welcome to our series featuring Food Holidays: December 21st, 2022. Did you know today is National French Fried Shrimp Day? At one time Charlie would eat Popcorn Shrimp but I am not sure if he still would or not.
Otherwise I would take us to Long John Silver’s tonight for dinner. David could get the Seafood Platter he likes while Charlie had Popcorn Shrimp and Fries. For me I would like Fish and Chicken Please with no, Fries. How about you. Would you like to join us at Long John Silvers for dinner this evening?
National French Fried Shrimp Day
Seafood lovers across the nation rejoice on National French Fried Shrimp Day. The Holiday is dedicated to, Fried Shrimp. French Fried Shrimp is enjoyed by many, especially Americans. Shrimp is, not surprisingly, a Seafood favorite among Americans as it is consumed more than any other Seafood.
French Fried Shrimp isn’t French. It’s 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 French Fried Shrimp an 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 it 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 the Romans roasted Shrimp and drizzled Honey over the top.
While the origins of French Fried Shrimp are yet to be confirmed, what we do know is that Shrimp has a long history in the culinary world. Americans have probably been eating Shrimp at home for Centuries since Shrimp was widely available from Southern Waters in early America.
However, Shrimp didn’t create waves in American cookbooks until after the Civil War in 1865 when Shrimp became available in cans. Shrimp Salad : Whole Shrimp piled up on Lettuce with a Mayonnaise Dressing became 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 Banquets during the early 20th Century. The Shrimp Cocktail recipe was quite similar to that of the Shrimp Salad, but with an extra zing. Instead of Mayonnaise, a Cocktail Sauce was added. Which was similar to Oyster Sauce, mixed with extra Lemon or Vinegar. Horseradish, Tabasco, or Worcestershire Sauce could also be used.
Fried Shrimp is also thought to have first appeared on menus during the early 20th Century, but the breaded version 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 grocery-store shelves. Shrimp dinners became available across the Nation, even in drive-ins, because it was a relatively cheap meal.
Today, the Shrimp’s popularity has grown even more. Shrimp 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 it. If you know how to fry Shrimp at home, do that, or go to your favorite restaurants that serve Shrimp.
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 Banquet in celebration of National French Fried Shrimp Day. Make it extra Shrimpy by adding Seafood decorations throughout your home. Or hold an outdoor gathering if you have space.
Experiment with Fried Shrimp if your feeling a bit creative? Why not experiment with different flavors and recipes to add an extra zing to the day. There are loads of flavors you can try. Why not Coconut Fried Shrimp with Orange Marmalade Shrimp? Then share your creation with friends family who love Shrimp!
5 DELICIOUS FACTS ABOUT SHRIMP
- Shrimp averages about six inches but the longest Shrimp ever found was at 18 inches.
- Did you know there are over 128 species of Shrimp?
- 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 did you know Shrimp can even change from male to female!
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL FRENCH FRIED SHRIMP DAY
- We know we are stating the obvious, but really, do we need a better excuse to eat even more French Fried Shrimp than we already do?
- 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. Did you know Shrimp can also live up to 20 years in captivity.
- Shrimp is good for you although you should forget about the deep-frying part. That isn’t good for us. Shrimp have 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
