In fact, there is a big difference between “straight shrimp” and “curved shrimp”. If you don’t know how to choose, it’s easy to buy dead shrimp in the refrigerator. This type of shrimp not only has poor quality meat but also has a strong fishy smell. No matter what you do, the quality cannot be guaranteed, and the taste is relatively poor!

When we go to the supermarket or vegetable market to choose shrimp, we should prioritize buying curved shrimp. This is because when the shrimp is dead, their muscles become quite loose, no matter how hard you twist them, they will still keep their shape.

On the contrary, live shrimp often have a naturally curved body when they are stimulated by low temperatures. Therefore, when they are cold or fresh, they will keep their curved shape.

When buying shrimp, not only pay attention to their curvature, but also pay attention to the following three points to avoid buying shrimp that have been stored for too long.

There are two types of shrimp you need to pay attention to when shopping:

Type 1: Shrimp with missing heads and tails

This type of shrimp is easy to identify by checking their heads and tails. If you clearly see that the shrimp has lost its head or tail, this is a sign that it has been stored for too long.

The heads of the shrimp often start to rot and become soft, and this type of shrimp is not a good choice. The meat after cooking will have a fishy taste, not as fresh as new shrimp.

Type 2: Red-shelled shrimp

Some shrimp with shells can turn red when they are affected by high temperatures during transportation. Red-shelled shrimp are often a sign that they have gone through the aging process, and the meat of this type of shrimp will not retain its flavor well. When choosing shrimp, prioritize buying those with clean shells and no visible signs of discoloration.

Third Type: Shrimp Meat Is Too Soft

If when you buy shrimp, their meat is not elastic but instead is soft and mushy, this indicates that the shrimp tail is likely to have started to rot. The shrimp meat in this state will be quite soft, and the stench is stronger than that of regular shrimp. The head and tail of the shrimp can also be separated more easily, and when processed, this type of shrimp will produce a rather unpleasant fishy taste. Therefore, to ensure quality, it is best to avoid buying this type of shrimp.

The way to boil shrimp also requires technique. When boiling shrimp, use boiling water and add Sichuan pepper, ginger, and beer to the water. These ingredients will help completely remove the fishy smell of the shrimp. To ensure that the shrimp meat remains fresh and delicious, eat it the same day after boiling. If left for a long time, the shrimp meat may become old and dry, no longer retaining its original deliciousness.

When buying shrimp, look for shrimp that are curved, as curved shrimp are often the freshest. No matter how you prepare them, they will have the most tender and fresh flavor.