Column: Wine pairings to go with B.C. spot prawns

Yearly for about 40 days in Could and June, B.C. residents are lucky to have the chance to get pleasure from contemporary spot prawns. 

Spot prawns are very giant prawns discovered off the West Coast of North America.  They’re distinguished by their reddish-brown color (which turns vibrant pink when cooked), the white spots on their tail and the white horizontal bars on their heads.  They’re identified for his or her candy taste and agency texture.

Prawns usually stay for about 4 years.  Apparently, they’re hermaphrodites so for the primary two years of their lives, they’re males after which they turn into females. The B.C. authorities closely regulates and screens the industrial spot prawn business to make sure the inhabitants of spot prawns is sustainable. Prawn fishermen use traps alongside the rocky ocean flooring to attenuate the impression on the ocean habitat and which have holes which might be giant sufficient in order that there are very low ranges of bycatch of different species.

Some folks eat spot prawns uncooked however that could be a bit adventurous for me.  I prefer to eat spot prawns which might be steamed or added to salads or pasta dishes.  Regardless of the way you eat them, it’s best to prepare dinner contemporary, stay spot prawns.  It’s because after they die, spot prawns launch an enzyme from their brains which breaks down protein and turns the meat within the physique and tail of the prawn mushy.  Don’t rinse the prawns in faucet water because the chlorine will kill them immediately since they’re used to residing in saltwater.  It’s higher to simply maintain them in a chilly, dry surroundings and eat them as quickly as doable after you’ve bought them.

We’re lucky in Richmond that the Steveston Fisherman’s Wharf is correct in our yard.  Pre-orders of spot prawns are at the moment bought out however you possibly can nonetheless go right down to the pier and take a look at your luck at getting some in individual!

As for wine pairings, my philosophy is that as a result of the spot prawn is the star of the present, you need to select a wine that doesn’t compete for the limelight.  My common rule is that with extra refined wines, I prefer to have quite simple meals however when I’m attempting to showcase the meals,  I select easier wines.

Since we’re speaking about B.C. spot prawns, I’ve chosen two B.C. wine pairings.  A superb wine pairing is with the Lake Breeze 2018 Pinot Blanc, priced at $19.99.  Pinot Blanc just isn’t going to have many robust flavours that can overpower the sweetness of the spot prawns.  It may need a slight almond style and a few gentle citrus notes which can be simply sufficient to cleanse your palate.

I additionally love a deal and I see that the Blasted Church 2019 Hatfield’s Fuse is on sale at B.C. liquor shops for $15.99 till June 5.  I’ve all the time cherished Blasted Church’s perspective about wines and their labels are all the time vibrant and produce a smile to my face. Simply take a look at their web site and you may be a fan immediately!  For extra details about spot prawns and my pairing with this wine, test my video review on my YouTube channel.

Till subsequent time, glad consuming!

Tony Kwan is a way of life author.  Lawyer by day, meals and wine lover by night time, Tony goals to present you an insider’s information to the perfect that life has to supply.