Although shrimp is very good for health and often recommended, not everyone knows how to select fresh shrimp.
When buying shrimp, you might notice some shrimp are straight and others are particularly curved. So, how should you choose?

An experienced seafood seller shared the difference between "straight shrimp" and "curved shrimp." If you don’t know how to choose, it’s easy to buy shrimp that has been dead in the fridge. This type of shrimp not only has poor meat quality but also a strong fishy smell. No matter how you cook it, it won’t taste good or have the right texture.

When you go to the supermarket or the vegetable market to buy shrimp, you should choose curved shrimp.
When shrimp dies, its flesh becomes loose, and no matter how you bend it, it will stay straight. But if it’s alive, its body naturally curves when exposed to cold temperatures. Thus, this kind of shrimp will bend after being exposed to cold. These are fresh shrimp.

To explain further, unlike frozen shrimp, chemically treated shrimp, or spoiled shrimp, fresh shrimp will have slightly curved bodies, and firm, tight flesh. However, fresh shrimp isn’t overly large or thick compared to others.

How to Choose Shrimp Based on Types:

Tiger Shrimp: This type is farmed and typically large. First, make sure the shrimp is still alive, with a shiny, smooth shell. The head and legs should be tightly attached to the body. The shrimp’s shape should be straight or slightly curved, with a light, translucent body. This indicates good, firm shrimp.

Sliced Shrimp: This type is smaller than others, but it has a strong, sweet flavor. When buying sliced shrimp, choose fresh ones with a pinkish-white color. If the shell turns dark pink, it means the shrimp has been stored for too long.

Prawn Shrimp: These resemble tiger shrimp but are smaller with a thinner shell. Fresh prawns are the ones that still jump around, are pinkish-white, and have green eyes.

Lobster: The claws should be clear, and the shell should be shiny. It’s best to buy shrimp that can still swim well. The outer shell should be firm and shiny. The claws should not have fallen off, and the head and body should be tightly connected, with no exposed meat.

In addition, when choosing shrimp, keep in mind the following:

Shrimp with Separated Head and Tail:
When picking up some shrimp, if you notice the head and tail have fallen off, it means the shrimp has been stored too long, and the head has begun to decompose. Avoid buying these shrimp.

Red Shrimp Shell:
Some shrimp turn red when transported at high temperatures. These shrimp should be avoided because their flesh becomes "mushy" and lacks texture, no matter how you cook them. Always choose shrimp with clean shells and no discoloration.

Soft Shrimp Meat:
If the shrimp meat is not firm and feels soft when pressed, it means the tail has begun to decompose. This type of shrimp will smell fishy even after being cooked, so it's best not to buy it.

Observe the Tail of the Shrimp:
Checking the tail helps determine the freshness. To check, hold the shrimp under the light, stretch the body, and see if there’s a wide gap between the shell and the flesh. If the gap is wide, it means the shrimp has been stored for too long or frozen. The smaller the gap, the fresher the shrimp.

Shrimp Legs:
Observe whether the legs are firmly attached to the body. The shrimp meat should be firm. Also, avoid shrimp with legs that have turned black, as this indicates they are no longer fresh.

How to Store Fresh Shrimp:

To properly store fresh shrimp, it’s best to remove the head after purchase and clean them, letting them drain. The head and eyes often contain bacteria that could affect the food’s quality and your health.

To store whole shrimp or freshly peeled shrimp, place them in the freezer to ensure they stay at a low temperature. When frozen, shrimp won’t be affected by bacteria that could spoil them. However, it’s important not to freeze them for too long; ideally, keep them for no more than 30 days to maintain their nutritional value.