Around The Prawn Braai, Size Really Matters!
You may have heard of L1’s, L2’s , Argentinian, 21-25’s , Prawn Tails, (no Head) and Indian Vanimeier Prawns. At Hooked On Africa Fresh Fish Market, we stock a wide variety of prawns and shrimps, visit our Fresh Fish market in Hout Bay to check what’s in stock or call ahead to pre-order (subject to stock availability)
When we talk about the size of prawns, we use numbers to describe them. For example, ’21/25′ means there are 21 to 25 prawns in 1 kilogram. But here’s the funny thing: smaller numbers don’t mean smaller prawns. In fact, they mean bigger prawns!
Shrimps and prawns come in various sizes, and their size can impact how they’re used in cooking and the overall dining experience. Here’s an explanation of the different size categories for shrimps and prawns:
Extra Jumbo or Colossal:
These are the largest shrimps/prawns available, and they can be quite impressive. They are typically very large, often exceeding 10 inches (25 centimeters) in length. Extra jumbo shrimps/prawns are often used for special occasions or as the centerpiece of a dish.
Jumbo:
Jumbo shrimps/prawns are slightly smaller than extra jumbo ones but are still quite large. They generally measure between 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters) in length and are often used in fancy seafood dishes.
Large:
Large shrimps/prawns are a popular choice in many recipes. They are typically around 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) in length and are used in various dishes like shrimp scampi, grilled shrimp, and pasta dishes.
Medium:
Medium-sized shrimps/prawns are versatile and commonly used in a wide range of recipes. They usually measure around 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length and can be found in salads, stir-fries, and shrimp cocktails.
Small or Salad:
These are smaller shrimps/prawns, often used in salads, sandwiches, and appetizers. They typically measure around 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) in length.
Tiny or Mini:
The smallest shrimps/prawns, measuring under 2 inches (5 centimeters) in length. They are often used as garnishes or in dishes where you want a subtle seafood flavor without large chunks.
When following a seafood recipe or choosing shrimps/prawns for a specific dish, it’s essential to pay attention to the size guidelines provided to achieve the desired results.
