Shrimps - A Fascinating And Delicious Species

Food and Recipes » Cooking Guide » Cooking Seafood

Shrimps - A Fascinating And Delicious Species
By. Brad Martinson

Shrimps are available in a variety of forms. They are common, small invertebrates that can be encountered in nearly all marine ecosystems. Some species have adapted to living in freshwater. Shrimps are characterized by a semitransparent body flattened from side to side and a flexible abdomen that ends in a fanlike tail. Shrimps are among the most popular shellfishes in America. Shrimps are harvested when they weigh 40 grams or more. Tropical shrimps are usually much bigger than their Arctic counterparts and, in shops and on restaurant menus, are often called giant shrimps, king prawns or scampi. Shrimps and scampi can be pale pink, red, translucent with green or white tinge. The pink shrimp and the smooth pink shrimp are both similar in colouration, with both of them lacking bands or blotches on their legs. The smooth pink shrimp is very similar in size, colour, and body characteristics to the pink shrimp, but it lacks that particular spine or lobe on the curve of the abdomen. Crustaceans have a number of jointed legs, two pairs of antennae and may also have a pair of nippers. Shrimps mature initially as males in the first year, or in the second year.

Finding And Fishing Shrimps

Like fish, freshwater shrimps are found over a wide area. This is why their requirements differ depending on where they come from. Fishing is done by daylight down to a depth of around 20 metres, with drifts lasting from 15 minutes to two hours. They are located in the intertidal zone close to estuaries where they provide nurseries for fish, crabs and other creatures. The tropical shrimps that may end up on your plate are causing serious environmental problems in the tropics, in the form of devastated mangrove forests, ruined farmland, over-fishing, depleted ecosystems and heavy social and economic losses to the local population.

Nutritional Value Of Shrimps

Shrimps can be part of a healthy diet. They are low in fat and calories, can be boiled, fried or grilled.
Shrimps as well as prawns contain plenty omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are known to be good for your heallth. They are believed to help prevent against heart disease, circulatory diseases and many other types of illnesses.

Preparing Shrimps

To prepare shrimps pull off their legs. Then the shell can be removed easily. Legs are used for swimming in some shrimps, prawns and in many crabs. The first and second pair of tadpole shrimp legs differs from other legs by the four inner lobes. The shrimps are dumped into the boiler which consists of a large iron tank which nests inside of another tank. When the shrimps are cooked the inside tank is raised and tipped over by a tackle.

Prawns and Shrimps

Prawns and shrimps will only get the pinky white colour when they are boiled for eating. Prawns and shrimps must be stored in seawater with an aerator and will give the best results when they are still alive. Prawns as well as shrimps are also available cooked and fresh or cooked and frozen.

Users Reading this article are also interested in:

Top Searches on Cooking Seafood:

• Freshwater Prawns

• Prawns Shrimp

About The Author, Brad Martinson

There are thousands of delicious recipes for preparing shrimps. Get the best free shrimp recipes at http://www.weloveseafood.com/shrimprecipes.html

Cooking Seafood

•	Seafood Recipes- Try A New One Tonight!
•	What is healthy and nutritious at the same time? Fresh seafood!
•	Lip Smacking Seafood
•	Tips For Spicing Up Seafood
•	Getting Hooked On Seafood
•	Seafood Chefs Say Pears Sweeten The Deal
•	Fresh Seafood & A Balanced Diet
•	Smoked Alaskan Salmon - Fish Market
•	Fish - The Healthy And Nutritious Way
•	Throw That Fish on the Barbeque
•	How To Clean And Fillet Fish
•	Lobster - a Delicious Treat
•	Fresh Lobster Is A Healthy Treat
•	Dont Search For Maine Lobster Any More.
•	Smoked Salmon Gift Baskets
•	Smoked Salmon Gift Basket As A Gift
•	Alaskan Smoked Salmon Gift
•	Smoked Salmon Gift Sets Make Great Presents
•	Caviar types: General guideline
•	Your Guide To Oysters
	» More on Cooking Seafood

FoodEditorials Cooking Guide offers insightful Cooking Tips & Recipes for aspiring chefs who would like to try new Barbeque Recipes, Chicken Recipes, Seafood Recipes & Meat Recipes for main courses; or Salad Recipes and Soup Recipes for appetisers. Also, learn more on the best Cooking Appliances to cook delicious meals and how Herbs & Spices can liven up Festive Recipes.

Need faster Access? Try our Local Hosting Sites

Asia : Singapore - Malaysia - Indonesia | America : USA