Prawns go crackers
Brits went crackers for prawns this Christmas with more than 2,000 tonnes being sold over the festive period, according to seafood authority Seafish. While in Australia seafood is an already a big part of the Christmas tradition.
Last Christmas UK sales of coldwater prawns - the small variety commonly used in prawn cocktails - increased by 280 per cent and the trend was repeated this year as consumers stocked up for the party season.
Karen Galloway, Seafish market insight manager, said: "Prawn cocktails, prawn canapés and garlic prawns are all the rage during the festive period. And it's good to know prawns can be a healthy indulgence over the holiday season. They count towards your recommended two portions of fish a week and contain zinc and copper, both of which are important for healthy, glowing skin."
Meanwhile in Australia a trip to the Sydney Fish Market to select fresh seafood such as prawns and oysters marks the beginning of the Christmas festivities. Because of the hot weather many locals prefer cold seafood to traditional turkey and stuffing for their Christmas dinners.
The 36 hour seafood marathon attracts more than 80,000 shoppers in just a few hours. Organisers anticipated that up to 1,000 oysters and more than 80kg of prawns would be sold every minute.
Australia is now becoming a major consumer of seafood thanks in part to an influx of Asians into the country.
