To talk about Dénia is to talk about its most emblematic product: the red shrimp, considered a true gastronomic jewel of the Mediterranean. Internationally recognized for its intense flavor, its delicate texture and its characteristic scarlet color, the Dénia red shrimp has conquered chefs, critics and food lovers from all over the world. Not in vain, this crustacean is the maximum representative of the culinary identity of the city.
The uniqueness of this shrimp lies in its habitat. It is caught in the fishing grounds located between Dénia and Ibiza, at a depth of 600 meters. There, the soil conditions, rich in nutrients, provide the perfect ecosystem for its development, giving it an incomparable flavor and a unique quality that differentiates it from other Mediterranean species.
There are 4 categories according to their sizes. The largest, category 1, is the most coveted and the most expensive. It is followed by the next categories, as they descend in size. Their sizes do not depend on their age but on their sex. They are all adult shrimp (when they are breeding they are found at greater depths, safe from nets). The largest are females and the smallest are males.
The fishing tradition of Dénia also plays a fundamental role. Every day, the boats fish in search of this prized crustacean, which arrives fresh at the fish market, where it is auctioned. At the Dénia fish market, great care is taken to select the shrimp by size and to ensure that it is whole and intact as the delicate product that it is. This ensures that the shrimp retains its gastronomic excellence.
At the table, the Dénia red shrimp is pure versatility. It can be enjoyed simply cooked or grilled, to appreciate all its flavor in its pure state, or be part of more creative elaborations in the hands of prestigious chefs who reinvent this product without losing its essence. Whatever the recipe, the experience of tasting it is always unforgettable.
The Dénia red shrimp is a gastronomic experience that can be tasted with all 5 senses. The main one, logically, is the taste. Its intense flavor deserves its fame. Followed by smell for its unmistakable aroma and sight for its bright red color. Touch is also part of the experience and hearing, since it has its own soundtrack inspired by the process from shrimp fishing to the table.
Tasting the Dénia red shrimp is much more than a gastronomic pleasure: it is a journey to the essence of the Mediterranean, a tribute to the seafaring tradition and a way to connect with the soul of the city. That is why this product has become an ambassador of Dénia all over the world, taking the name of the city wherever culinary excellence is recognized.
