When buying shrimp, should you choose straight shrimp or curved shrimp? The surprising truth that many people still don’t know.
When buying shrimp, it’s generally recommended to choose straight shrimp over curved shrimp. Here’s why:
Freshness
Straight shrimp are usually fresher. When shrimp are caught and stored, they tend to curl up naturally due to rigor mortis (muscle contraction after death). If the shrimp are still straight, it usually means they were freshly caught or properly frozen and stored.
Quality
Curved shrimp often indicate they have been stored for a longer period or mishandled, which can affect their texture and flavor. The curve can also be a result of the shrimp being frozen and thawed multiple times.
Appearance and Cooking
Straight shrimp are often more appealing visually, especially when served as part of a dish, and they tend to cook more evenly. Curved shrimp may not cook as uniformly.
Actually, choosing straight or curved shrimp doesn’t always relate to freshness. Both straight and curved shrimp can be fresh if stored properly. Here’s some clarification:
Curved Shrimp
Curved shrimp result from a natural reaction of the shrimp’s body after death (the body contracts). Therefore, curved shrimp could indicate they have been frozen for a while or improperly handled. However, if the curved shrimp shows no signs of spoilage (such as bad odor, color, or texture), they can still be fresh and good to eat.
Straight Shrimp
Straight shrimp are often considered fresh, but this is not always the case. Some shrimp are frozen immediately after being caught and maintain a straight shape. However, if the shrimp are properly stored and transported, they could be either straight or curved without affecting the quality.
Therefore, when buying shrimp, you should pay attention to other factors like color, smell, texture, and storage conditions (shrimp should be kept cold and show no signs of spoilage). Straight shrimp don’t necessarily mean they are fresher, and curved shrimp aren’t always old or spoiled.
