The Ultimate Guide to Unraveling the Mystery: Shrimp vs. Prawns
Shopping for shrimp can be a tricky process for many women. Not only must they carefully select between various types of sea and farmed shrimp, those with or without added chemicals, but also between the two most common varieties – card shrimp and prawn shrimp.
When it comes to seafood, many homemakers are often confused about how to choose fresh seafood, especially when it comes to distinguishing between tiger prawns and whiteleg shrimp. It can be challenging to tell these two types of shrimp apart, as they look quite similar. So, here are some simple ways to identify them and understand their nutritional benefits.
1Easy Ways to Tell Tiger Prawns and Whiteleg Shrimp Apart
Identifying Tiger Prawns
Tiger prawns are a popular choice among seafood lovers. Prawn-based dishes are not only delicious but also highly nutritious. So, how can you easily spot tiger prawns?These prawns have thick shells that come in a variety of colors, including green, brown, red, and grey. Their backs are marked with alternating bands of green, black, or yellow. Tiger prawns are also quite large, growing up to a maximum length of 36cm, and they are heavier than whiteleg shrimp.
Identifying Whiteleg Shrimp
Whiteleg shrimp are also a common choice in households due to their lower price compared to tiger prawns. They are excellent for dishes like braised shrimp.You can quickly identify whiteleg shrimp by their thin, translucent white shells and white legs. They have six abdominal segments, with a very narrow or absent abdominal groove where they carry their eggs. Whiteleg shrimp are slender and smaller than tiger prawns, and they are also lighter in weight.
2Nutritional Benefits of Tiger Prawns and Whiteleg Shrimp
Shrimp, in general, is a trusted choice for many homemakers today. This is because it is a low-calorie food that is packed with essential nutrients such as protein, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and Omega 3, to name a few.
While both tiger prawns and whiteleg shrimp offer a plethora of nutrients, they differ in terms of meat quality and flavor. Depending on your preference, you can choose either one to suit your taste and cooking methods.
Tiger prawns have firmer and chewier meat, making them ideal for grilling or barbecuing due to their thick shells. On the other hand, whiteleg shrimp, with their thinner shells, are easier to peel and are excellent choices for steaming, braising, or making soups.
Tiger prawns and whiteleg shrimp are two of the most popular types of shrimp, not only for their delicious taste but also for their high nutritional value.
Frequently asked questions
Tiger prawns have thicker shells that come in various colors such as green, brown, red, and grey, with distinct alternating bands of green, black, or yellow on their backs. They grow up to 36cm in length and are heavier. Whiteleg shrimp, on the other hand, have thin, translucent white shells and white legs. They are slender and smaller, with six abdominal segments and a very narrow or absent abdominal groove.
Both tiger prawns and whiteleg shrimp are excellent sources of protein, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and Omega-3. They are low-calorie foods that are packed with essential nutrients. Tiger prawns have firmer and chewier meat, making them ideal for grilling or barbecuing, while whiteleg shrimp are easier to peel and are better for steaming, braising, or making soups due to their thinner shells.
Tiger prawns are a popular choice among seafood lovers as they are not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Whiteleg shrimp are commonly chosen due to their lower price and versatility in dishes like braised shrimp.
“Shrimp is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with health benefits. But consuming shrimp that is diseased can have dire consequences. Healthy and diseased shrimp exhibit distinct signs and symptoms, both externally and internally, which are crucial for distinguishing between the two.”
