What is the Orange Stuff When Cleaning Shrimp? [EXPLAINED]

Shrimp is a delicious delicacy with sweet flesh and a soft texture. But have you ever noticed the orange vein running along its back? It may have made you wonder if it’s safe to eat. Let’s find out what it is and whether consuming is okay.

What Is The Orange Stuff In Shrimp

The orange stuff found when cleaning shrimps is the digestive tract of the shrimp. It is a thin orange line that runs along the back of the shrimp and contains undigested or partially digested food that the shrimp has consumed. 

The good news is that the digestive tract is completely safe to eat. However, if you prefer to remove it, you can make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and pull it out. Removing the digestive tract is completely optional and will not affect the taste of the shrimp.

If you decide to remove the digestive tract, you can easily do so by using the tip of a sharp knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and then gently pulling it out.

It’s important to note that leaving the digestive tract intact will not affect the safety or quality of the shrimp. Still, it’s always best to thoroughly cook the shrimp to eliminate potential food safety concerns.

So, let’s learn everything about shrimp and impress your dinner guests with your newfound knowledge. Let’s also discover the truth about that orange stuff.

When cooking shrimp, it’s always best to ensure it’s cooked thoroughly to eliminate potential food safety concerns.

Whether you leave the digestive tract intact or remove it, it all comes down to personal preference. But it can be done by making a small incision along the back of the shrimp and gently pulling it out.

But is it safe to eat? Let’s find out.

Is It Safe To Eat The Orange Vein? 

The orange stuff found in shrimp is its digestive tract. But don’t worry; eating with or without removing it is safe. However, if you prefer to remove it, take extra care during cleaning and rinse the shrimp thoroughly afterward. Here are some tips for buying and cooking shrimp, with or without the digestive tract.

Always buy fresh shrimp

When cooking shrimp, the most important thing is to ensure they’re fresh and crisp. The best way to check this is by giving them a quick smell. If they smell like the ocean, they’re fresh and natural.

If you’re buying from a fish market, ensure the shopkeeper keeps them on ice. Bring a cooler with ice and store the shrimp until you’re ready to cook to ensure they stay fresh.

When buying frozen shrimp, avoid pre-peeled varieties. They may not taste as good after cooking. Also, check for ice leakage on the packaging, as these shrimp may have been thawed and refrozen. It’s not recommended to cook shrimp that have been thawed.

Prepare fresh shrimp

Step 1: If frozen, thaw shrimps in cold, salted water or ice water.

Step 2: Peel and devein shrimps and keep them in iced water. Dry with paper towels.

Step 3: If steaming/boiling, leave shells on for flavor. Rinse well.

Step 4: Twist and gently pull off heads, if desired.

Step 5: Hold the shrimp, pull the legs, and peel the shell off. Use vinegar on iced water for grip.

Step 6: Save legs and shells for shrimp stock. Enjoy!

Time to cut the orange vein!

Step 1: Grab your pocket knife and make a small cut on the back of the shrimp.

Step 2: Go deeper to reveal the orange vein. Some call it a “Sand Track.”

Step 3: Use a toothpick or deveining tool to remove it.

Pro tip: Save the vein for tasty shrimp stock. 

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How To Store The Leftover Fresh Shrimps?

Remember to always buy fresh and high-quality shrimp. The best way to ensure this is to buy shrimp that is still in its shell and hasn’t been frozen.

When you’re shopping for shrimp, take a look at the color and texture of the shrimp. They should be a vibrant pink or gray and look firm and plump.

If the shrimp looks dull or slimy, it’s best to avoid it. Additionally, when you’re buying shrimp, make sure to smell it. Fresh shrimp should have a slight ocean smell, but it shouldn’t have any strong ammonia odor.

When you’re preparing shrimp, use them as soon as possible. If you’re not cooking the shrimp right away, store them in a bowl with ice and cover the bowl with wax paper so that air can circulate through it.

It will help keep the shrimp fresh and safe for up to two days. If you don’t use the shrimp within this time frame, freeze them to be safe to eat later.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Orange Part At Shrimp’s Tail?

You may come across a variety that has orange legs. This type of shrimp is female, edible, and quite delicious. It is a great addition to many dishes and can be prepared in various ways to bring out its unique flavor. 

How To Store Frozen Shrimps?

Crispy and unfrozen shrimps should be used within the next two days for safety and good taste. Store frozen shrimp in tight packaging and the deep freezer if you have frozen shrimp. Properly stored frozen shrimp can last up to six months without losing its original texture. However, when you defrost them, cook them on the same day. Refreezing shrimp will result in a bad and spoiled taste.

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Final Words

As you’ve learned, selecting the freshest shrimp and properly preparing them before cooking can make all the difference in the taste and texture of your dish. It’s important to smell the shrimp and check for any ammonia smell. Also, avoid any shrimp that has been defrosted and refrozen. 

Now that you understand how to handle and prepare shrimp, we hope you feel confident in your cooking skills and enjoy experimenting with different recipes and cooking methods.

Don’t hesitate to share your successes and any questions with us. Feel free to share this knowledge with your friends and family so they can have the best shrimp experience. Happy cooking!