How to Tell When Fresh Shrimp Becomes Spoiled
When you are purchasing fresh seafood, it is imperative that you choose a reputable retailer and know what to look for in seafood. Fresh shrimp, for example, has an extremely short storage period. If you are not careful to select fresh shrimp that has been handled properly, you might purchase inferior shrimp that could even be spoiled. Learn how to choose the freshest shrimp to protect your health. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Examine the shrimp as it is displaying in the seafood case. Shrimp should be on ice because it must always be at approximately 34 degrees Fahrenheit for best results. Simple refrigeration will not keep shrimp at this optimal temperature.
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Look to see if the shrimp is intact with the heads still attached. Shrimp with heads still attached indicates that the retailer did not freeze the shrimp previously. If the retailer had frozen the shrimp and then thawed it, the shrimp heads would be unattractive and mushy. Therefore, it is generally a safe conclusion that shrimp with the heads intact were not frozen.
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Smell the shrimp. This is especially important if the heads are not on the shrimp. If the shrimp is fresh and unspoiled, it will smell salty and faintly of the ocean. You should not smell any fishiness whatsoever. In addition, if you smell an ammonia odor in the shrimp, it is likely spoiled.
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Select shrimp that is pinkish or gray-green in color. The shrimp should be firm and not slippery when you touch it. Shrimp should not have any black spots on the inside meat or on the outer shells.
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Tips & Warnings
After purchasing your shrimp, you must keep it at 34 degrees F. Store the shrimp on ice in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. Use fresh shrimp within approximately three days.
