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FriMay 10

National Shrimp Day – May 10, 2024

If the fictional character Bubba from the movie Forrest Gump had his way, every day would be National Shrimp Day. A connoisseur of all different types of the crustacean, and every which way to cook them, he’d probably be disappointed that National Shrimp Day is only held once a year on May 10. Luckily his shrimp legacy carries on with a restaurant in his name: The Bubba Gump Shrimp Company operates 40 restaurants around the world.

Shrimp fans all across the country can come together to honor their love for the shellfish, commonly called the “fruit of the sea.” Shrimp are interesting characters, and some can even glow in the dark! Elvis Presley even once sang a song about them, crooning, “If I should live to be ninety, I will never forget the little shrimp and the song he sang as he jumped into the net.” In the United States, shrimp is eaten more than any other type of seafood, so of course, it deserves its own day! Grill em, fry em, or eat em cold. Try them on a sandwich, on a salad, or one by one in some delicious cocktail sauce. Whatever you do, take some time to celebrate!

National Shrimp Day timeline

600 A.D.
Good Taste

Archaeological remains of the jaws of shrimp are identified from this era.

1980s
Shrimp Farming

Shrimp farming becomes popular, particularly in China.

1991
Baking in the Sun

Raised areas near the coast in Mexico are used for drying shrimp in the sun.

2007
Mighty Harvest

The shrimp harvest exceeds the number of wild shrimp captured.

National Shrimp Day Activities

  1. Have a shrimp feast

    There are endless options when it comes to shrimp recipes. For National Shrimp Day, have each of your friends bring over a different shrimp dish, and give prizes for the best: most original, tastiest, and even “most shrimpy!” If you’re trying to win a top spot at the party, go with something that will wow your guests. Try shrimp scampi pasta or a yummy shrimp risotto.

  2. Take a shrimp fishing tour

    Channel your inner-Bubba and get out there on the water! Boat charters all along the coast offer excursions to catch some shrimp all for yourself! You’ll start early in the morning and stay out all day, throwing out nets to catch the little critters. Then, you’ll get to take home what you caught!

  3. Cheer on the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

    That’s right! The Miami Marlins’ Double-A affiliate team celebrates this special day all season long with their new Shrimp name. While they used to be called the Jacksonville Suns, their new moniker seems a lot for fun and they’ll use it for the first time for the 2017 Season! The team is the longest- playing in the Southern League’s history, and has seen such notable teammates as Nolan Ryan and Alex Rodriguez!

Why We Love National Shrimp Day

  1. Shrimp taste great AND are good for you

    These little guys pack a big nutritional punch. They are high in protein (and flavor!), and low in calories. Shrimp is a good source of zinc, and vitamins B6 and B12. They are full of Omega-3s, fighting inflammation and improving eye health! They are even a good source of selenium, which promotes brain function and a healthy immune system!

  2. They come in all different shapes and sizes

    If you’re looking for a little variety, then shrimp is for you. Pre-cooked, cooked, or even frozen, you can find shrimp to meet your every cooking need. Rock shrimp have a hard shell, and look like a tiny lobster tail. Tiger shrimp can sometimes be found at nearly a foot long, and offer a more chewy taste. And don’t forget about the traditional pink shrimp that give you a mild, sweet taste.

  3. They’re a nice alternative for Meatless Mondays

    If you’re trying to cut back on your meat, but are still ok with fish, shrimp is a great way to switch up your menu! They’ll taste great, and help you promote heart health! Try them on a salad of leafy greens, or over a plate of pasta. Cook them in a dish of paella! You can even skewer them into a kabob and grill ‘em up!

National Shrimp Day dates

YearDateDay
2024May 10Friday
2025May 10Saturday
2026May 10Sunday
2027May 10Monday
2028May 10Wednesday

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