Hey there seafood lovers! I’ve been getting tons of questions about Fremont Fish Market shrimp lately, especially since it’s become such a popular choice at ALDI stores. As someone who’s spent way too much time researching seafood sourcing (seriously, my browser history is full of shrimp facts!), I’m excited to break down exactly where these tasty crustaceans come from.
The Quick Answer
Fremont Fish Market shrimp comes from several major sources:
- Primary Sources:
- Ecuador
- Indonesia
- India
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Argentina (for wild-caught varieties)
Diving Deeper: Understanding Fremont’s Sourcing
The ALDI Connection
First things first – Fremont Fish Market is ALDI’s private label brand. That’s right, it’s exclusively found at ALDI stores! After WWII, the Albrecht brothers started what would become ALDI, and they’ve been killing it with their private labels ever since
Types of Shrimp You’ll Find
-
Farm-Raised Options:
- White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
- Tiger Shrimp
- Easy-peel varieties
- Cooked & peeled options
-
Wild-Caught Varieties:
- Argentine Red Shrimp
- Brown Shrimp
- Pink Shrimp
The Journey from Ocean/Farm to Your Plate
Here’s how these little guys make their way to your dinner table
-
Farming/Harvesting:
- Farm-raised in outdoor saltwater ponds
- OR wild-caught from ocean waters
- Monitored for quality and sustainability
-
Processing:
- Cleaned and prepared at local facilities
- Flash-frozen to maintain freshness
- Packaged in bulk
-
Transportation:
- Shipped in special refrigerated containers
- Temperature maintained at super cold levels
- Distributed to ALDI warehouses
Why Should You Care About Sourcing?
Listen, I know what you’re thinking – “Why does it matter where my shrimp comes from?” Well, here’s the tea:
Sustainability Matters
Fremont Fish Market actually takes this pretty seriously
- Partners with responsible fisheries
- Participates in sustainability programs
- Gets certified by organizations like BAP and ASC
Quality Control
They’ve got some decent standards:
- Regular testing for contaminants
- Strict handling procedures
- Traceability throughout the supply chain
Tips for Buying and Storing
Since I’ve bought my fair share of these shrimp (maybe too many, according to my freezer), here are my pro tips:
What to Look For:
- Firm texture
- Fresh, ocean-like smell
- Clear packaging with source info
- No freezer burn
Storage Tips:
- Keep frozen until ready to use
- Store in coldest part of freezer
- Use within 6 months for best quality
FAQ (Because Y’all Keep Asking!)
Q: Is Fremont shrimp as good as fancy brands?
A: Honestly? Yes! They use the same suppliers as many premium brands but without the markup.
Q: How do I know if it’s sustainable?
A: Check for certifications on the package and look for “Responsibly Sourced” labels.
Real Talk: The Bottom Line
Look, here’s the deal – Fremont Fish Market shrimp ain’t perfect, but it’s pretty darn good for the price. They’re sourcing from reputable places, keeping an eye on sustainability, and delivering decent quality shrimp that won’t break the bank.
I’ve been buying these for years now, and while there might be fancier options out there, for everyday cooking? These totally get the job done. Just remember to check those labels and store ’em right!
And hey, if you’re still unsure, grab a bag and try ’em yourself. At ALDI prices, what’ve you got to lose? Trust me, your shrimp scampi will thank you!
Got more questions about Fremont Fish Market shrimp? Drop ’em in the comments below! I’m always happy to chat about seafood (maybe a little too happy, if you ask my friends).
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article in more detail?
Fremont Fish Market Jumbo Raw Shrimp:
These are raw, deveined, with shell and tail on. They’re advertised as easy peel. Ingredients are shrimp, water, and salt.
One package contains about three servings. One serving (about seven shrimp) has 90 calories, no fat, 250 mg of sodium (11% DV), 1 gram of total carbohydrates (0% DV), and no dietary fiber or sugar. One serving also has 20 grams of protein.
You’ll need to thaw the shrimp before cooking them. Place the frozen shrimp into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight (approximately 12 hours). Rinse with cold water, drain, and pat dry. Shrimp are ready to cook.
For quick thawing, place frozen shrimp in a strainer. Rinse with cold running water for 6-8 minutes, lightly tossing and rotating the shrimp. Let drain for 2-3 minutes, pat dry, and shrimp are ready to cook.
You can boil, saute, or broil these.
To boil, cook shrimp with boiling salted water with one thick slice of lemon until shrimp turn pink. The shrimp should be cooked in 3-5 minutes, depending on size. Peel and eat when done.
To saute, heat butter in a skillet and add finely chopped Italian parsley. Saute shrimp in butter for about 2 minutes on each side. Add lemon juice and serve. Peel and eat.
To broil, preheat the broiler and broil shrimp 4-5 inches from the heat source for approximately 2.5-5 minutes, or until shrimp turn opaque. Turn once with broiling. Serve with melted butter and lemon. Peel and eat.
For best taste, use within three months of purchase. If thawed, store in the refrigerator and use within three days.
Fremont Fish Market Large Cooked in Shell Shrimp:
These are cooked, peeled, and deveined, with the tail on. Ingredients are shrimp, water, and salt.
One package contains four servings. One serving (about seven shrimp) has 80 calories, 0.5 grams of total fat (1% DV), 250 mg of sodium (11% DV), and no carbs, dietary fiber, or sugars. One serving also has 19 grams of protein.
The package recommends thawing these by placing the shrimp into a bowl and covering with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight (approximately 12 hours). Rinse with cold water and drain, then serve.
For quick thawing, place frozen shrimp in a strainer and rinse with cold running water for 6-8 minutes, lightly tossing and rotating the shrimp. Let drain for 2-3 minutes, then serve.
For best taste, use the shrimp within three months of purchase. If thawed, store the shrimp in the refrigerator and use within three days.