Organic Shrimp Now Available On The East End

Given what’s going on around — and in — the world’s oceans these days, seafood lovers are right in worrying about where their fish is coming from and what pathogens may be lurking within.

Fortunately for those of us on the East End, Citarella Gourmet Market has announced that it is now the first and only seafood purveyor in the United States to offer sustainably farmed , antibiotic-free organic shrimp.

Sustainably farmed in northeastern Madagascar by OSO, La Gambas Bio de Madagascar, these shrimps are one of the only species of organic shrimp available.

“OSO Madagascar Organic Shrimp are unlike any shrimp available in the US,” Joe Gurrera, Citarella’s owner and original fishmonger said. “They have a sweet, slightly nutty flavor, and texture like a langoustine. They’re like a cross between a shrimp and a lobster.”

“They’re best sautéed or grilled, in the shell with the head intact,” he advised. “All they need is a drizzle of olive oil. Anything else would mask the flavor. These are a delicacy that will definitely impress anyone who loves shrimp.”

In other words, don’t even think about boiling or steaming these shrimp.

OSO cultivates its organic shrimp on a 4,000-hectare farm of ponds filled with filtered sea water that have been built in the heart of the Ankarana Reserve, in northeastern Madagascar. The operation employs more than 900 local residents in all levels of the organization and, since launching in 2002, OSO has invested substantially in local technology, social, medical, road, port, and airport infrastructure.

“We’re proud to do business with OSO, an organization that works hard to produce the best possible organic shrimp and to support the economy of the people who give us access to such an incredible product,” said Mr. Gurrera.

So grill ‘em intact and eat ‘em up, fully confident about where these organic little guys and gals came from.

Citarella has eight markets in New York City, the Hamptons, and Connecticut, and two wines and spirits stores — one in the new Hudson Yards in Manhattan, and another in Connecticut.