Variations in shell color can cause white shrimp to be confused with brown shrimp from the same area. Brown shrimp are concentrated off the Texas-Louisiana coast. Males reach 7 inches, while females grow to 9. Product Profile Gulf shrimp are generally flavorful and sweet, with slight variations in taste according to the species. Pinks are tender and sweet.
Browns are firm, though somewhat bland, and sometimes have a hint of iodine.
It can be hard to tell the Gulf species apart. Cooked shells of all species are pinkish-red. Raw meats are translucent pink to gray. Cooked meats are pearly white with pink and red shadings. Don't pay white shrimp prices for brown shrimp.