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 The American Prawn Cooperative (APC) was established in 2008 by six independent North Carolina prawn farmers who saw the wisdom of joining forces to process and market their growing production of Giant Freshwater Prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii).
APC farmers grow their prawns in 2-acre ponds on the state's coastal plain. Each pond produces about 800 pounds of live prawns, which average 8-10 count per pound (live weight). Because freshwater prawns cannot tolerate temperatures below 60°F, APC farmers can grow only one crop a year. As a result, APC freshwater prawns are only available live or fresh during harvesting, which takes place from mid-September to mid-October. Frozen whole prawns and tails (IQF and block) are available year round.
APC freshwater prawns are raised sustainably and are rated a "Best Choice" by FishChoice partners. APC farmers use no chemicals, antibiotics, herbicides, pesticides, or therapeutents. The prawns, which are fed an all-natural diet with no animal by-products, are produced under North Carolina's Best Management Practices, which requires strict handling procedures from pond to table.
Freshwater prawns have a sweet lobster-like taste and firm texture. They are easy to prepare with a variety of methods including fried, sautéed, grilled, oven-roasted, or broiled.
The American Prawn Cooperative is dedicated to providing new, healthier and more environmentally friendly crop alternatives for family farmers. As demand for locally grown, sustainably produced seafood grows, the APC looks forward to welcoming more farmers into the Coop. Here is a short video on APC and click here to view the American' Prawn Cooperative's product listing, and remember to tell them you found them on FishChoice.
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