Hey there seafood lovers! I’ve been getting tons of questions about Censea shrimp lately, and as someone who’s been cooking with their products for years, I thought it’s time to spill the tea on where these tasty crustaceans actually come from.
The Quick Answer
Censea shrimp mainly comes from farms in Southeast Asia and Latin America. The big players are Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Ecuador, and Mexico. While they do get some wild-caught shrimp, most of what you’re buying is farm-raised (and there’s nothing wrong with that!).
Breaking Down Censea’s Global Supply Chain
Let me tell you, Censea’s got their hands in pretty much every shrimping port around the globe. Here’s where they’re getting their goods
Main Sourcing Regions:
-
Southeast Asia
- Vietnam (major supplier)
- Thailand (another big one)
- Indonesia (known for extensive farming)
- India
- China
-
The Americas
- Ecuador (Latin America’s shrimp powerhouse)
- Mexico (growing bigger every year)
- USA (some wild-caught from the Gulf)
What Type of Shrimp Are We Talking About?
Censea’s not just selling one type of shrimp – they’ve got options for days! Here’s what you’ll find
- White Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) – their bread and butter
- Black Tiger Shrimp – the fancy stuff
- Small to Jumbo sizes
- Raw, cooked, peeled, unpeeled – you name it!
The Farming Game: How Censea Gets Their Shrimp
Y’all, let me break down how these shrimp go from pond to plate:
- Aquaculture (fancy word for fish farming) is their main game
- Shrimp grow in controlled environments (usually ponds)
- Once they’re the right size, they’re harvested
- Quick-frozen right after catching (keeps ’em fresh!)
- Packed and shipped to processing facilities
- Quality checked (like, a lot)
- Finally makes it to your local store
But Is It Actually Good Stuff?
Listen, I wouldn’t steer you wrong. Censea’s pretty serious about their quality control:
- They work with certified suppliers
- Use traceability systems (fancy way of saying they know where every shrimp comes from)
- Test for antibiotics and other nasties
- Follow sustainability guidelines
The Sustainability Story
Here’s where things get interesting. Censea’s trying to do right by the environment:
- Works with BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices) certified farms
- Some products have Marine Stewardship Council certification
- Partners with suppliers who follow sustainable practices
- Monitors environmental impact
Storage Tips (Cause Nobody Likes Spoiled Shrimp)
Since we’re talking Censea, let me drop some knowledge on how to keep your shrimp fresh:
- Keep ’em frozen until you’re ready to cook
- Once thawed, use within 1-2 days
- Don’t refreeze thawed shrimp (seriously, just don’t)
- Store in the coldest part of your freezer
Real Talk: The Good and Not-So-Good
The Good Stuff:
- Consistent quality
- Available year-round
- Lots of variety
- Generally reliable sourcing
The Not-So-Great:
- Mostly farm-raised (if you’re a wild-caught purist)
- Environmental concerns with farming
- Some transparency issues about specific sources
Making Smart Choices at the Store
When you’re shopping for Censea shrimp, here’s what to look for:
- Check for certification labels
- Look at the country of origin
- Make sure packaging is intact
- Check for ice crystals (could mean it’s been thawed and refrozen)
The Bottom Line
Look, Censea’s not perfect (who is?), but they’re doing a decent job bringing us affordable, quality shrimp from around the world. They’re transparent about being mainly farm-raised, and they’re making efforts to be sustainable.
If you’re cool with farm-raised shrimp and want something reliable, Censea’s a solid choice. Just remember to check those labels and store your shrimp properly!
Pro Tips from a Shrimp Lover
- Buy frozen instead of thawed – it’s usually fresher
- Look for sales – Censea products often go on discount
- Don’t be afraid of the smaller sizes – they’re great for pasta dishes
- Always check the bag for broken pieces before buying
Serving quality through the years
Central Seaway Co., Inc. is founded by Gershon Feigon in Chicago as a frozen seafood importer.
Gershon hires 25-year-old Nate Torch. Nate had prior seafood experience in Chicagoâs storied Fulton-Randolph Street Market District.
Central Seaway begins an unprecedented period of expansion. Over the next 20 years, business would grow more than fourteen fold.
Gershon hires Jeff Stern, also 25. Jeff previously worked for a large accounting and audit firm.
Gershon passes away at the age of 64. Ethel Feigon, Gershonâs wife of more than 40 years, becomes president of the Company.
Central Seaway imports its first container of farm-raised shrimp from Southeast Asia, which would go on to become a staple of its business.
Ethel and Gershonâs son, Lee Feigon, joins Central Seaway as a vice president. He becomes president later in his tenure.
Central Seawayâs sister company, CenSea, Inc., is formed.
Joe Rosenberg joins the Company as Chief Operating Officer.
CenSea becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of Central Seaway.
CenSea marks its 60th anniversary as Nate Torch also celebrates 40 years with the Company.
Jeff Stern celebrates his 40th anniversary with the Company.
Joe Rosenberg, Jeff Stern, and Nate Torch appointed Co-Presidents of the Company. The appointments mark a key step in CenSeaâs succession planning efforts to develop the Companyâs next generation of personnel and leadership.
Committed to traceable, sustainable seafood
We ensure that all of our seafood comes from sustainable sources. We work closely with our suppliers to aid in sustainability and social responsibility initiatives.
What Separates Shrimp From Prawns?
FAQ
Is censea shrimp wild-caught?
Enjoy premium-quality seafood at home with Censea Raw EZ Peel Shrimp, sized 13/15 for hearty portions and packed in a convenient 2-pound bag. These wild-caught shrimp are deveined and easy to peel, making them perfect for quick, delicious meals without the hassle.
Where do the cleanest shrimp come from?
The waters from the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coast produce some of the tastiest and cleanest shrimp in the world, and both are very accessible to everyday customers.
What is censea shrimp?
Our Censea shrimp have been fully cooked and flash frozen directly after harvest to ensure maximum freshness. They are excellent for use in shrimp cocktail or in dishes that require no additional cooking. Serve with your favorite cocktail sauce, with pasta, or in a salad! About 3.5 shrimp per serving. Farm raised.
What is the healthiest shrimp to buy?
Where is censea shrimp sourced?
In conclusion, Censea shrimp is sourced from various regions worldwide, including Asia, Central and South America, and the United States. With a focus on quality, sustainability, and traceability, Censea has established itself as a trusted provider of top-notch shrimp products to seafood enthusiasts around the world.
Does censea sell frozen shrimp?
Our shrimp are flash frozen directly after harvest to ensure maximum freshness. Ready to reach out? Let us stock your freezer. CenSea®, a family-owned seafood company for the past 60 years, is one of the largest importers of frozen seafood in the United States.
Are censea shrimp certified?
Censea shrimp often adheres to strict certifications and standards, such as being Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified or complying with Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP). 5. Does Censea shrimp undergo quality control checks?
Does censea shrimp have a quality control check?
Yes, Censea shrimp undergoes rigorous quality control checks throughout the production process to ensure freshness, taste, and safety. 6. What factors contribute to the high quality of Censea shrimp?
Does censea stock frozen seafood?
Let us stock your freezer. CenSea®, a family-owned seafood company for the past 60 years, is one of the largest importers of frozen seafood in the United States.
Does censea sell black tiger shrimp?
Yes, Censea offers various species of shrimp, including Black Tiger shrimp, White shrimp, and organic shrimp, which come from different regions and adhere to specific regulations. 10. Are Censea shrimp products available globally? Censea shrimp products are widely available across the globe, with distribution networks reaching numerous markets. 11.