Sponsored by Mexican Shrimp Council (MxSC)
Authenticity, sustainability, and flavor are key selling points for on-trend restaurant menu items. That’s why many leading chefs craft signature dishes with shrimp sourced by members of the Mexican Shrimp Council (MxSC), a product that rates highly for all three.
As chefs well know, shrimp is the favorite seafood of American consumers, with an annual consumption of more than 5 pounds per capita. Customers who try MxSC shrimp from Mexico for the first time will be pleasantly surprised by its superior flavor, color, and texture. It pairs well with a variety of seasonings and culinary techniques, making it a versatile option for light and flavorful cooking popular in restaurants today. It shines in everything from regional American comfort foods to exciting global cuisines.
The Mexican Shrimp Council (MxSC) seal
Chefs who feature shrimp bearing the Mexican Shrimp Council (MxSC) seal send a message of quality and authenticity to customers who care about where their food comes from and how it is handled. The MxSC is a group of major importers, producers, and processors focused on quality, sustainability, and traceability of both Mexican wild and farmed shrimp. The members of the Mexican Shrimp Council strive for fair trade and development of the fishing communities they work with.
Thanks to the efforts of the Mexican Shrimp Council, chefs who use their shrimp are assured of a premium product sourced by a neighboring industry with an outstanding reputation. In fact, Mexico’s proximity makes it the closest and most reliable source of warm water shrimp for the U.S. In 2020, more than 56 million pounds of Mexican shrimp were imported by the U.S., according to market expert Urner Barry.
Variety and versatility
The Mexican Shrimp Council harvests high-quality aquaculture shrimp, wild bay caught shrimp fished with artisanal methods, and wild trawler boat shrimp. Each is sourced in a responsible way that protects marine species and ecosystems and ensures food safety. Both Mexican wild and farmed shrimp are highly regulated and sourced according to U.S. and international standards.
Three Mexican shrimp species with broad appeal to chefs and consumers are:
- White aquaculture shrimp - This is the only species used for farming and is also found in bays and the deep sea. It offers a pleasant, fresh flavor and comes in medium-large, large, and jumbo sizes.
- Blue wild shrimp - This is the most popular type of shrimp in the U.S. It is found only in open bays and the deep sea, which give it a unique, sweet flavor and crisp texture.
- Brown wild shrimp – This is a popular type among consumers in the central U.S. Found exclusively in the deep sea in both Pacific and Atlantic waters, it is noted for its robust flavor, firm texture, and large sizes including extra jumbo and colossal.
Sustainability and traceability
All Mexican Shrimp Council shrimp is traceable, whether wild harvested or farmed, to both the location and boat. Given such measures, seafood buyers can rest assured that they are purchasing shrimp from fisheries that comply with U.S. and Mexican regulations.
Tasty and healthful
In addition to being flavorful, MxSC shrimp is nutritious. It is high in protein, B vitamins, and potassium, low in calories and free of saturated fat. What’s more, eating seafood such as shrimp is believed to improve levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol, repair DNA, and benefit the immune system.
With all that going for it, it's no wonder the products of the Mexican Shrimp Council are the versatile protein choice of chefs in many prestigious restaurants. Mexican shrimp pairs brilliantly with a vast array of vegetables, sauces, and flavorings to create a wealth of signature creations.
For instance, picture a savory Mexican shrimp BLT with large MxSC shrimp sautéed in olive oil and garlic served on toasted artisan bread with crisp bacon, Bibb lettuce, and sliced tomato. Or grilled shrimp tacos, featuring medium MxSC shrimp marinated in lime juice, garlic, chili powder, and cilantro, grilled and served on warm tortillas with avocado, cheese, and hot sauce.
In the seafood culinary world, MxSC shrimp stands out with its reputation for authenticity, sustainability, quality, and flavor. Chefs who look for the Mexican Shrimp Council (MxSC) seal are assured of using a delicious product they can serve with pride.
