How to buy and store fresh shrimp or prawn?

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Prawns and shrimps are very healthy choice of food as they are extremely good source of protein, and very low in fat as well as calories. They also contain high level of vitamin that are essential for healthy skin, bones and teeth. Here is a perfect guideline to buy and store these fruits of the sea that you can relish for a longer time.

Buying fresh Shrimps or Prawns

Most prawns and shrimps sold in the markets have been frozen and then thawed for sale. They are usually displayed on ice, which is the best way to store thawed prawns or shrimp, until they are needed for cooking. However avoid shrimp that has already been peeled and deveined as the shrimp is less protected against the freezer without its shell.

The shells should be firm as well as glossy and not broken or slippery.

Select shrimps that have firm white meat and a full shell.

Avoid buying shrimps with black spots or rings (except if you're buying black tiger shrimp) as this signals that the meat is starting to break down.

Check for any discolouration of the shells or the heads.

The eyes should not be shrunken inwards or missing, rather they should be prominent and shiny.

Avoid shrimp that smells of anything (especially ammonia) other than salt water.

Buy medium raw prawns that are shiny and firm. Smaller prawns taste sweeter with a finer texture than king prawns.

Gulf white shrimp, although the most expensive, are the best type to purchase. Each person needs at least 1/4 pound of shelled shrimp.

Storing fresh Shrimp or Prawns
1. All seafood, should be stored in the freezer soon after the purchase.

2. Although they

may be stored in refrigerator for 2-3 days, it would be better to cook it on the same day of purchase for fine texture taste.

3. Place them in the coldest part of the fridge, which is at the bottom.

4. The best way to store it would be in a bowl of ice in the fridge as even the fridge temperature is not quite cold enough for the optimal storage conditions for this type of seafood.

5. Make sure to keep them in their shell until you cook them.

6. If you buy frozen prawns or shrimp, store them in the freezer until you need to defrost them.

Try these tips and relish the exquisite seafood, the next time.