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A Spanish town is home to the world’s most expensive shrimp
When it comes to the world of seafood delicacies, one Spanish city stands out from the rest. Just off the coast of Dénia, under the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean, lies a hidden treasure sought after by seafood lovers and gourmets alike. Dénia is home to the most expensive shrimp in the world, known as Gambas rojas de Dénia.
The search for the red jewels
These bright red crustaceans can only be found in the waters between Dénia and the island of Ibiza, at an astonishing depth of almost 2,000 feet. It is within this exclusive 80 mile long area that these gourmet prawns thrive, making them incredibly rare and difficult to obtain.
The shrimp are highly prized for their distinctive sweet tasting heads, which add a unique flavor profile to any dish. In fact, their flavor is so exceptional that they exceed the price of even the most expensive lobster. At the local market in Valencia, these hand-sized red jewels can fetch an astounding $40 per prawn, especially during the peak summer season.
A creative city of gastronomy
Dénia’s culinary reputation extends far beyond its prized shrimp. In 2015, the city was awarded the title of Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO. This recognition highlights Dénia’s commitment to preserving and promoting its rich culinary heritage.
Every year, Dénia hosts an annual cooking competition where talented chefs from around the world showcase their skills in preparing Joyas Rojas (Red Jewels) in the most creative and flavorful ways. This event attracts food lovers and professionals alike, further cementing Dénia’s status as a gastronomic destination.
The American Encounter
While Dénia’s prawns have long been enjoyed in Spain, they have recently made their way across the Atlantic to the United States. The first American city to indulge in the joyas rojas was none other than Washington, D.C.
Danny Lledó, an award-winning international chef and D.C. native, introduced these prized shrimp to his Michelin-starred restaurant, Xiquet, in 2021. Drawing on his childhood memories of eating these delicacies in Spain, Lledó incorporated the giant red beauties into his Valencian cuisine, elevating the dining experience for his guests.
Preparation and appreciation
The unique sweetness found in the shrimp heads requires minimal enhancement to create a truly remarkable dish. Whether boiled in seawater for a refreshing cocktail-style experience or sauteed with olive oil and sea salt for a burst of flavor, these shrimp are a crown jewel of Spanish cuisine.
Known by various names such as carabineros or scarlet prawns, these creatures can grow to an impressive size. Grillmasters like the one behind Chuck’s Flavor Train showcase the sheer size of these shrimp, with as few as four weighing in at one pound.
Indulging in luxury
The rarity and exceptional quality of Denia’s gambas rojas has led to their high price. Websites such as Prime Fish Wholesale offer Spanish red carabineros, which they describe as “more like dwarf lobsters than shrimp,” for a staggering $120 per pound. Indulging in these shrimp is undoubtedly a bucket-list-worthy seafood experience, albeit one that requires a significant investment.
So, if you’re in the mood for an unforgettable culinary adventure, prepare to be captivated by the world’s most expensive shrimp. Dénia’s Gambas Rojas de Dénia are a testament to the unique flavors and experiences that can be found in the realm of seafood delicacies.
FAQS
Dénia’s Shrimps, known as Gambas Rojas de Dénia, are highly sought after for their distinctive sweet tasting heads, which add a unique and exceptional flavor to any dish. Their rarity and limited availability also contribute to their high price.
Where can I find these expensive shrimp?
Gambas rojas de Dénia are found only in the waters between Dénia and the island of Ibiza, off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea. They thrive at a depth of nearly 2,000 feet underwater.
How much do these shrimp cost?
At the local market in Valencia, these shrimp can cost up to $40 per prawn, especially during peak summer season. Online retailers may offer them for even higher prices, with some selling Spanish Red Carabineros for around $120 per pound.
What is the significance of Denia’s culinary reputation?
Dénia has been recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy, highlighting its commitment to preserving and promoting its rich culinary heritage. The city hosts an annual cooking competition where chefs from all over the world showcase their skills in preparing the prized Gambas Rojas de Dénia in creative and flavorful ways.
Can I try these shrimp outside of Spain?
Yes, these prized shrimp have made their way to the United States, with Washington, D.C. being the first American city to offer them. Danny Lledó, a renowned chef, introduced these delicacies to his Michelin-starred restaurant in D.C., allowing guests to indulge in the unique flavors of Dénia’s Gambas Rojas de Dénia.
How should I prepare and enjoy these expensive shrimp?
The unique sweetness found in the shrimp heads requires minimal refinement. They can be boiled in seawater for a refreshing cocktail-style experience, or sauteed with olive oil and sea salt for a burst of flavor. These shrimp are a true crown jewel of Spanish cuisine, and their preparation should aim to highlight their natural qualities.