Macrobrachium rosenbergii

The giant freshwater prawn.

Technically a prawn, commonly called a giant river prawn, and very easy to mistake for a spectacularly oversized shrimp. Here is what makes our chosen crop different.

Large giant freshwater prawn held by hand

Prawn or shrimp?

In the kitchen, the words overlap. Biologically, they are different branches of the decapod family tree.

Macrobrachium rosenbergii is a true freshwater prawn. Adults grow in fresh water and can reach an extraordinary size. Mature males are especially distinctive, developing long blue claws that make the animal look almost prehistoric.

HabitatFreshwater grow-out ponds

CharacterFirm, sweet, lobster-like meat

SeasonWarm-water seasonal crop in Georgia

SpeciesMacrobrachium rosenbergii

Why this species

A niche crop worth doing well.

They fit the scale and spirit of Merritt's Farm: unusual, intensely local, seasonal and genuinely special on the plate. Rather than trying to compete with commodity seafood, the farm is being built around a product that benefits from freshness, careful handling and a direct connection between pond and table.

Giant freshwater prawn prepared beside a hand for scale