Tag: Prawn vs shrimp

Approximately 2 percent of the global population is affected by shellfish allergies, yet some individuals report the peculiar ability to eat prawns with no issue while reacting to shrimp. This seemingly contradictory reaction is typically not a culinary mystery but rather a complex immunological response tied to the specific proteins in each crustacean.

Globally, more than 8 million metric tons of shrimp and prawns are harvested or farmed each year. Scientifically, shrimp are classified as decapod crustaceans and are a type of shellfish, not a fish. This distinction is crucial for understanding its biology, culinary uses, and potential allergic reactions.