A local shrimp farm aims to raise awareness about Singapore’s aquaculture industry through this farm tour.
Cereal, sambal and poached in butter – we love the mighty prawn in many ways. But have you ever wondered how it’s bred and harvested before it comes to your dinner table? Ditch Netflix for a second and head outdoors for a guided farmer’s tour of a shrimp farm in Singapore. I took some time off work on a Friday afternoon to check out the tour and it was quite an eye-opener.
Nature’s Hug shrimp farm tour and tasting
Aquaculture technology expert Blue Aqua has launched a new shrimp farm tour and tasting under its food retail brand, Nature’s Hug. Located at the Blue Aqua Breeding Center (amongst popular spots like Bollywood Veggies and Kranji Marshes) the two-hour tour takes you through the process from breeding to grow-out of three magnificent prawn species. End the tour with a fantastic three-course shrimp tasting with white sparkling wine. We can see why the tour’s a hit with families. Your little one can watch how the shellfish grows from larvae to a full-grown prawn.
Nature’s Hug currently breeds white shrimp, blue tiger shrimp and kuruma shrimp using a patented farming system that highlights a circular economy in aquaculture.
Sustainable urban farming is the future
That means the farm operates on an energy efficient, zero-waste, zero-water exchange and sustainable recirculating aquaculture system. Waste is repurposed into other forms of food energy and byproducts, and water quality is managed at optimum levels so it’s resource efficient.
As a result, the farming system is able to produce 10 times the industry standard. In fact, the farm can cultivate up to 100 million shrimp larvae in a year. The shrimp are also chemical and additive-free with no genetic modification.
Enjoy sustainable seafood bred right here in Singapore
The farm currently supplies the seafood to speciality restaurants and local supermarkets, but you can also purchase the white shrimp and blue tiger shrimp at a special price after the tour. The sale of the premium kuruma shrimp will begin later next year.
The tour ends with a scrumptious three-course shrimp feast prepared on site. Taste the difference between a blue-tail and white-tail shrimp (tbh, I couldn’t but both were so fresh and succulent) in the form of a refreshing summer salad, as well as charcoal-grilled prawns and flavourful prawn tacos. Guzzle down complimentary Malvasia Secca I.G.P white sparkling wine to pair with your meal.
It’s been over a decade since I visited a local farm. It gave me perspective on how it’s important to know where your food comes from and the amount of technology, resources and effort that goes into delivering it to your table.
Honeycombers tip: Due to its remote location, we suggest driving or booking a ride in advance. Also, bring mosquito repellent. Now go off and explore!
Blue Aqua Shrimp Farm Tour and Tasting, $55 per adult, $45 per child; Blue Aqua Breeding Center, 2G Neo Tiew Lane (Plot 119), Singapore 719095 (within Malaysian Feedmill Farms)
