Shrimp is a delicious and nutritious food. It is the main ingredient in many dishes. However, it is important to ensure that the shrimp you buy is fresh and clean. In this article, we will discuss the signs of shrimp that you should avoid buying.
1 Don’t buy shrimp if you see one of the following signs
Soft shell, sticky, strong fishy odor
Do not buy shrimp that is sticky or sticking together as it is a sign of not being fresh. To check further, press your finger on the shrimp shell and move it back and forth. If the shell feels firm, then it is fresh. However, if it is soft, sticky, and has a strong fishy odor, it is best to avoid buying it. Also, avoid pre-peeled shrimp as they are often frozen and stored for a long time.
Soft shell, sticky, strong fishy odor
Shrimp with spread tail
Fresh shrimp will have their tails tucked down. Shrimp that has spread tails, rigid bodies, and expanded segments, especially between the head and the body, is contaminated with impurities. Cooking shrimp with impurities will result in the release of excess water, shrunk meat, and a bland taste. Look out for a layer of jelly between the meat and the shell, particularly at the head and under the gills, as this may indicate that the shrimp has been injected with gelatin.
Shrimp with spread tail
Unusual shrimp color
Fresh shrimp typically have white and blue shells with a shine and a transparent appearance when viewed under sunlight. If the shell turns yellow, pale, or black and loses its shine, it indicates that the shrimp has deteriorated. Avoid buying shrimp with black whiskers as they are not fresh.
Unusual shrimp color
Body and head of shrimp not intact
Choose shrimp with slightly curved bodies, firm meat, intact shells, and heads firmly attached to the bodies. Avoid buying shrimp with black, broken, or loose connections between the body and the head as these are signs of shrimp that is no longer fresh.
Body and head of shrimp not intact
Pay attention to the shrimp legs
Fresh shrimp will have firmly attached legs and firm meat. Avoid buying shrimp with black legs as they indicate that the shrimp is not fresh.
Pay attention to the shrimp legs
2 Tips for choosing fresh and delicious shrimp
How to choose fresh iron shrimp
Fresh iron shrimp will have a pink-white color in the body with legs still firmly attached. Avoid dark pink iron shrimp as they are likely to be stored for a long time and not fresh anymore.
How to choose fresh iron shrimp
How to choose fresh rock shrimp
Fresh rock shrimp will have smooth and shiny shells, a fresh and translucent body, and legs still firmly attached. Choose shrimp that meets these criteria.
How to choose fresh rock shrimp
How to choose fresh tiger shrimp
When buying tiger shrimp, choose live, healthy shrimp with active legs, pink-white legs, and green eyes. Avoid buying dead shrimp with shells turned dark pink.
How to choose fresh tiger shrimp
Tips for choosing lobster
To choose fresh and delicious lobster, look for live, healthy lobsters with dark blue, shiny shells and fresh, shiny meat.
Tips for choosing lobster
The above are signs of not fresh shrimp and tips for choosing shrimp by each type. Hopefully, this article has provided you with valuable information.
Do Not Buy Shrimp If You Notice These Signs
To avoid mistakenly bringing home unduly spoiled shrimp, which are pumped with impurities, you should definitely refrain from purchasing any shrimp displaying these signs.
