Shrimp also have a line on their underside, which is actually a blood vessel. Unlike the digestive tract, it doesn’t contain waste and doesn’t affect taste or texture. No need to remove it.
Freshness Clues
Interestingly, the vein can sometimes hint at freshness:
- Very dark vein: May suggest the shrimp wasn’t handled well or has been stored longer.
- Lighter vein: Often linked to fresher shrimp.
It’s not a perfect test, but it’s a useful visual cue.
