Vannamei prawn, Penaeus vannamei

Description

The whiteleg shrimp  (Penaeus vannamei) live in tropical marine environments and is the most important penaeid shrimp species farmed worldwide. Whiteleg prawns are native to the Western Pacific Coast of South America and the species has been introduced in several South East Asian countries for aquaculture. They can grow to a maximum length of 23 cm. The word "prawn" is used more in South Africa, while the word "shrimp" is more common in North America.

Origin

To ensure supply continuity, Woolworths sources farmed vannamei prawns from Ecuador, Nicaragua, Thailand and Vietnam. The prawns we sell are farmed in earthen ponds and they are fed a species-specific formulated compound feed.

Attributes

Vannamei prawns have a sweet, mild flavour, low to medium fattiness and moist flesh with a tender texture. It is low in calories, but rich in omega-3 fatty acids as well as vitamins and minerals including vitamin B12, selenium and zinc.

Cooking

Prawns can be used in a variety of preparations, including poaching, grilling, pan-frying or as a tempura. Prawns cook very quickly, with none of these methods taking more than 5 minutes.