A little tip on how to choose fresh and delicious shrimp:
To choose fresh shrimp, you need to observe the following signs:
- Check the color: Fresh shrimp has a white-blue color and a certain level of shine. Especially when exposed to sunlight, you will see the shrimp’s shell is transparent and shiny. In contrast, shrimp that has been stored for a while often have yellowish or pale shells.
Different types of shrimp have slightly different colors. However, if you notice the shrimp turning black, it’s a clear sign that they have been dead for a long time and are decaying. Eating such shrimp can seriously affect your health.
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Check the elasticity: Fresh shrimp has high elasticity and quickly regains its shape when squeezed. Hold the shrimp and try to stretch it out. If the shrimp does not curl back to its original shape, it means it has been dead for a while and is no longer fresh.
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Examine the connection between the head and body: Fresh shrimp typically has a slightly curved body, firm meat, and the shell is flexible. The head should still be firmly attached to the body. If the head is loose, discolored, or about to fall off, the shrimp is not fresh.
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Check the legs: Fresh and tasty shrimp have legs that are tightly attached to the body, and the meat should be firm. Avoid buying shrimp with blackened legs, as this is a sign they are no longer fresh.
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Observe the tail: Check the tail to determine the shrimp's freshness. Fresh shrimp usually have tails that are tightly curled and downward.
If the tail is spread out, it means the shrimp may have been injected with chemicals or water to make them appear plumper. When cooked, such shrimp will release more water, the meat will shrink, become mushy, and have a bland taste compared to usual.