Forums > Specific Focus > Mexican Kitchen

jaybear

Nov 30, 2005, 5:00 PM

Post #1 of 8 (1527 views)

Shortcut

Shrimp anatomy 101

Can't Post | Private Reply

Okay, so I am now cleaning at least a media kilo of shrimp twice a week, and as I stand at the sink doing this, I am wondering...why do some of those little guys have full guts and others do not? I thought shrimp ate all the time, like whales filtering krill. So how come some of them need SERIOUS deveining, as tho they've just been to Smitty's barbecue, and others are clean as a whistle?

And, should I be removing the vein from the underside as well as the gut from the topside? Obviously, I have not been observing the fine points of shrimp cleaning at my momma's knee or other joints. This used to be less important when I cleaned shrimp less often; now, given the potential volume, I think I should be doing it properly.
"Don't believe everything you think" - Maxine

JayBear

Bubba

Nov 30, 2005, 6:05 PM

Post #2 of 8 (1518 views)

Shortcut

Re: [jaybear] Shrimp anatomy 101

Can't Post | Private Reply

That's a good point Jaybear:

Now, I don't want to overdo this issue but, if you have ever had a colon examination you know that it takes three days or so taking certain chemicals and not eating to clean out the waste materials from your intestines. Therefore, we are all full of crap at all times. Why shouldn't most shrimp have the same privilege? I presume the other shrimp were anorexic.

Rolly

Nov 30, 2005, 6:14 PM

Post #3 of 8 (1516 views)

Shortcut

Re: [jaybear] Shrimp anatomy 101

Can't Post | Private Reply

I have removed the "vein" on occasions, and at other times I have not. I have been unable to tell the difference once they are cooked.

Some are empty simply because they have not been fed while being held captive. Others may have been feed corn meal to be sure they were not carrying anything from the sea. Others may have gotten no special care.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

TlxcalaClaudia

Nov 30, 2005, 7:17 PM

Post #4 of 8 (1509 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Rolly] Shrimp anatomy 101

Can't Post | Private Reply

I'm always amazed at how you know a little somethin' about everything.

Claudine

Rolly

Nov 30, 2005, 7:36 PM

Post #5 of 8 (1501 views)

Shortcut

Re: [TlxcalaClaudia] Shrimp anatomy 101

Can't Post | Private Reply

Thank my friend Sr Google.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

jennifer rose

Nov 30, 2005, 8:11 PM

Post #6 of 8 (1490 views)

Shortcut

Re: [jaybear] Shrimp anatomy 101

Can't Post |

Cooking experts claim there's nothing dangerous about eating shrimp with the veins still in and that it's merely a matter of cosmetics. If you're cooking them in a dark sauce, you could probably get by with not deveining the shrimp. If you're planning on serving them in a shrimp cocktail, those dark veins are about as attractive as hairy legs and armpits in a cocktail dress.

wendy devlin

Nov 30, 2005, 8:50 PM

Post #7 of 8 (1482 views)

Shortcut

Re: [jaybear] Shrimp anatomy 101

Can't Post | Private Reply

I'm no expert but whenever I butcher an animal, it is generally fasted for up to 24 hours before slaughter.

When shrimp or prawns are baited in traps they can not eat in the trap, because the bait is suspended out of their reach, and they stay alive in the trap, so they are cleaned out by the time they lifted to the surface.

As far as the hairy legs and armpits being unattractive, that would depend on how long the quarry has fasted.

(This post was edited by wendy devlin on Nov 30, 2005, 8:55 PM)

lakechapaladreamer

Dec 1, 2005, 12:49 PM

Post #8 of 8 (1451 views)

Shortcut

Re: [wendy devlin] Shrimp anatomy 101

Can't Post | Private Reply

Thanks for the laugh, Wendy! ;)