How to Buy Shrimp
Even people that hate fish seem to love shrimp ... unless they are allergic to it. Shrimp aren't cheap, so follow these guidelines to get the most for your money.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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1
Avoid shrimp that has already been peeled and deveined - most shrimp is frozen and then thawed, and the shrimp is less protected against the freezer without its shell.
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Look for shrimp with firm white meat and a full shell.
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Do not buy shrimp with black spots or rings - except if you're buying black tiger shrimp -as this indicates that the meat is starting to break down.
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Avoid pink meat.
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Make sure the shell is not yellow, as this indicates that it was bleached.
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Avoid shrimp that smells of anything other than salt water.
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Be cautious of labels such as "jumbo," as there aren't any firm guidelines for applying such terms. For each shrimp variety, the fishmonger should display the number of shrimp that make up a pound; use this as a guideline instead. Larger shrimp are frequently more expensive, but that doesn't mean they taste better, although they will be easier to prepare, because you will have less of them.
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Buy enough for 1/4 pound of shelled shrimp for each person.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Gulf white shrimp, although the most expensive, are the best type to purchase.
Sometimes the word "prawn" is used to mean "jumbo shrimp," but "prawn" is also used for two other types of crustacean: a saltwater creature that looks like a tiny, 6- to 8-inch lobster (the French langoustine) and a freshwater "prawn" that looks like a cross between a shrimp and a lobster.
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Comments
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erind
Nov 13, 2009
GUlf Brown shrimp are the best choice, more flavor and usually cheaper. -
everbling
Nov 12, 2009
good info I didn't know about buying fresh shrimp
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chefbob
Nov 01, 2009
Wild pink shrimp is available here in Florida all year round and it's delicious.
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xeaa
Oct 07, 2009
Here is a suggestion. Get a couple of shrimp, cook in microwave or boil till ready in plain salted water and give it to your cat or a dog as a treat. They will eat it if it is fresh and tasty. Otherwise, they will ignore it. My 2 pennies worth, based on personal experience.
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xeaa
Oct 07, 2009
Frankly, I buy shelled, deveined and even tail-off frozen shrimp at Costco and quite happy with it. It tastes delicious and stores well in a freezer as it is sealed in plastic bags. The best way in my opinion to buy good shrimp is to find reliable and consistent provider. And always talk to the see food store manager or a sales person and ask them about the product you want to buy. Most of them take pride in what they do and will let you know if the product is not as fresh as it could be.
