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What factors influence the price of prawns
Size
Prawns are graded according to the number of prawns
per pound (445 grams) or per Kilo (1000gms)
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U/10 = under 10 prawns per pound (extra large) (between 16
to 20 prawns to the Kilo)
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10/20 = 10 to 20 prawns per pound (medium) (between 22 to
42 prawns to the kilo)
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20/30 = 20 to30 prawns per pound (small to medium) (between
44 to 67 prawns to the kilo)
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300/500 = 300 to 500 prawns per pound (extra small - shrimps)
(between 675 to 1124 prawns to the kilo)
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S & B = Soft and broken prawns - these are
export 2nds due to slight damage or soft shell due to prawn
malting just prior to capture.
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Tips:- when comparing prices always compare
by asking the count per pound - the lower the count the larger the
size. The larger the size the higher the price
Specie
All species vary in texture, flavour and colour presentation
after cooking. They can vary greatly from one fishing region to
the next and therefore the prawn buyers expertise is very highly
considered within the industry.
Although preference can depend on market or intended use, the following
is a guide to market preference or perceived quality order.
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Local Tiger Prawns - Preferred by the Japanese
market for sushi and frying in tempura. The bright colored
stripes also contribute to presentation which is paramount
with Japanese cuisine
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Local King Prawns - Preferred by the retail market due to
bright colour and crisp clean taste
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Local Banana Prawns- Preferred for Asian style
cooking as it has minor shrinkage during cooking. Considered
good value as the only down side is the light colour of shell
when cooked
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Local Endeavour Prawns - Generally considered
a budget prawn as they can be inconsistent in taste &
presentation from region to region
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Imported Cultured Vanemei -Good value for money, less flavour
than wild caught
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Imported Cultured Black Tiger - Better texture than Vanemei
but more expensive and little natural flavour
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Tips:- Always ask sales staff to recommend
which prawns a best suited for the intended use as big savings can
be made. Eg - soft and broken prawns are fantastic value if you
want superior flavour but intend to peel and add to a dish like
a pasta sauce.
Wild
caught or cultured / Imported or Local
Prawns can be wild caught or cultured. Generally speaking
all imported prawns are cultured i.e. farmed in dams and wild caught
are Australian.
Crystal Bay are unique in that they are a Banana prawn
cultured in Queensland - Available chilled never frozen and peeled
all year round.
Tips:- Generally imported cultured prawns have
a less pronounced flavour and pending the origin can be quite firm
in texture. How ever they can be good value for money when used
to enhance the meal where the prawn is not the main ingredient such
as stir fries, rice dishes or curries.
Chilled (Fresh) or Frozen
As a rule all prawns caught in Western Australia a
snap frozen at sea due to the remote fishing grounds. Exemptions
are during the brief Mandurah prawn season and occasional Exmouth
day catch freighted to Perth
Crystal Bay (Banana) prawns are the only consistent never frozen
prawn available.
Tips:- Always ask you fish monger if prawns
have been frozen previously. At Seafood Secrets we do not thaw for
the sake of perceived convenience and presentation. That is why
all our prawns except Crystal Bay's are stored in a frozen state
which maintains quality until you are ready to use them.
During peak and festive periods when demand is high
we will also cook local raw frozen at sea prawns daily and sell
them in a chilled state, this is the next best option to a never
frozen prawn.
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Availability
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Suitability
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Recommendations
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Whole raw
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Best for cooking whole ie BBQ or in chilli or
curry sauce - Large can be split, garnished and grilled.
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If prawns have previously been frozen always
ask to buy in a frozen state to maintain quality.
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Whole cooked
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Ideal for buffet or platters where presentation
is important.
Buy frozen cooked at sea where possible.
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Buy chilled - freshly cooked from whole frozen
at sea.
Do not buy thawed prawns unless consuming immediately.
Crystal Bay prawns are never frozen and have
sweet flavour.
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Peeled Raw
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Great to enhance other dishes, add a coating,
spice or sauce. Use on skewers, etc.
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Always buy frozen - fresh peeled raw prawns
are not available in the WA market place.
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Peeled Cooked
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Use for cocktails or platter dips, rice dishes
or with salads.
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Always buy in a frozen state unless it is guaranteed
a chilled never frozen.
Peeling a whole cooked prawn will result in
a better flavour.
Crystal Bay prawns are never frozen and have
sweet flavour.
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"We Speak Fish"
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