Shrimp Season is early

[Sue in Mt P]

I lucked up. My shrimper friend called and said he went out with the DNR yesterday. He asked if I wanted to buy any. No kidding!

So I picked up, brought 'em home, now I'm working on them.

The season will officially start by the end of the month.

[lynnlato]

Seeing your bag of Carolina shrimp makes me giddy... there's nothing finer. What'd you do with 'em tonight?

Danna, sorry to hear about your uncles' crops. I have nothing but respect for farmers, who roll the dice and gamble against mother nature every season. They are far more daring than I could ever be.

[Sue in Mt P]

I know right? Nothing but respect.

I made a huge shrimp salad with sesame oil, garlic and cilantro. Yay. The rest went into the freezer.

[danna]

wow, sounds great! Did you let the shrimp cool first before dressing them?

How much are shrimp going for a pound (more or less)? We should start a little business. You meet me and lynn in Columbia and we'll drive 'em the rest of the way to Charlotte and G'ville. I wonder what the market would bear for shrimp that gorgeous if people knew they came off the dock that morning. I drive fast.

[Sue in Mt P]

Yes, I let them cool first.

These were cheap. I hate to quote a price, since it could change. But it might work. I too drive fast.

[lynnlato]

I'm down! And I've got the speeding tickets to prove just how fast I drive. Oy.

I may have to find some to bring back to my kids. If they knew I could get them some off-the-boat Carolina shrimp and didn't, well let's just say they wouldn't be happy.

[billyjack]

The Shrimp Man at the Kings Dr. market has the freshest shrimp I've found in Charlotte. They come from Carolina Beach. They're not cheap but you don't have to drive 4 hours to get them.

He also sometimes has great flounder, amongst other fish.

[danna]

well....3 hours for some of us ;-)

[lynnlato]

I assume that was meant for me. :) And it's good to know! Thanks!

[Sue in Mt P]

Boo about the crop. Peaches are my favorite fruit.

I discussed the nature of the work with Tommy. There's a nice article about him in "Palate" magazine. Have you seen it?
http://www.localpalatemag.com/

I think you'll like it. When you come down, let me know if you want shrimp right off the boat. I can say, without hesitation, they are so sweet!

[danna]

don't work too hard.;-)

I hope that means a great prosperous year for the shrimpers.

My uncles (and a lot of others ) just lost the whole peach crop to hail that covered a swath in northern g'ville and spartanburg counties and heading toward Chesnee. And now frost warnings for Wed night. It's rough when your living is dependent on nature.