Hey seafood lovers! Today we’re gonna tackle that burning question that’s probably crossed your mind while enjoying your favorite shrimp dish – what’s that mysterious black line running down the shrimp’s back? Spoiler alert: yep, it’s poop! But don’t freak out just yet – I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about this not-so-appetizing discovery.
The Quick Answer
That black line in your shrimp is actually its digestive tract – aka its stomach, intestine, and all the waste inside. But here’s the good news: it’s totally safe to eat when cooked properly!
What Exactly Is That Black Stuff?
Let me break it down for you
- It’s called the dorsal tract, back vein, or sand vein
- Contains the shrimp’s stomach, midgut, and intestine
- Filled with whatever the shrimp ate, including:
- Plankton
- Tiny worms
- Microscopic animals
- Sand and organic debris
Will Eating Shrimp Poop Make Me Sick?
Here’s the deal – you don’t need to panic! That black line won’t hurt you if you follow these simple rules:
- Cook your shrimp thoroughly to 145°F
- The shrimp should feel firm when done
- Proper cooking kills any harmful bacteria
But heads up! You CAN get sick from shrimp if you:
- Eat it raw or undercooked
- Don’t handle it properly
- Ignore food safety guidelines
Should I Remove the Black Line?
It’s totally up to you! Here’s what you should consider:
Reasons to remove it
- You’re grossed out by eating poop (fair enough!)
- You want to avoid sandy, gritty texture
- You prefer cleaner-looking shrimp
Reasons to leave it:
- Save time during prep
- It’s completely safe when cooked
- Many people don’t mind it
How to Remove the Black Line (If You Want To)
If you’re team “no-poop-please” here’s how to devein your shrimp
- Get yourself some kitchen scissors
- Cut a shallow slit along the shrimp’s back
- Use the scissors tip to pull out the vein
- Rinse under cool water
- Pat dry and cook as planned
Pro tip: Always devein raw shrimp – it’s WAY easier than trying to do it after cooking!
Why Shrimp Is Still Awesome (Despite the Poop)
Don’t let this discovery turn you off from shrimp! These little guys are nutritional powerhouses:
- 3oz serving (11-12 medium shrimp) gives you:
- 20g protein
- Iron and zinc
- Selenium
- 20% daily phosphorus
- 15% daily vitamin B12
- Heart-healthy omega-3s
Plus, shrimp is low in mercury compared to other seafood – bonus!
Bottom Line
Look, finding out there’s poop in your shrimp isn’t exactly appetizing. But we promise it’s not as gross as it sounds! Whether you choose to devein or not, just make sure to cook your shrimp properly and you’ll be fine.
Now, who’s up for some shrimp cocktail?
Yo, quick disclaimer: While we try to keep our info accurate and up-to-date, this article is meant for general knowledge only. Always follow proper food safety guidelines and consult health experts if you have specific concerns.
Got more questions about shrimp or other seafood? Drop them in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this article with your seafood-loving friends who might be freaking out about that black line in their shrimp!
#Seafood #Shrimp #CookingTips #FoodSafety #Cooking101
Yep, shrimp “veins” contain shrimp poop
That dark line that runs along the outside of shrimp is exactly what you feared: a digestive tube filled with the gritty remnants of the shrimp’s final meals.
But, on to the good news! Despite the yuck factor, it’s safe to eat. As long as the shrimp reaches 145 degree Fahrenheit for at least 15 seconds during cooking, any problematic microbes will be killed, according to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension.
However, if you do eat the vein of a large shrimp or prawn, you might notice some grittiness and possibly some bitter or muddy flavors. Shrimp pull bacteria, algae, tiny animals and bits of organic material from the seafloor. Inevitably they ingest some sand or silt along the way.
Julie Anderson Lively, executive director of the Louisiana Sea Grant College Program, said the look of the “vein” varies based on the shrimp’s diet. A brownish, blackish color is common, but if the shrimp enjoyed a more colorful meal, you might see the evidence.
“I’ve even seen kind of like bright pink,” she said, musing that that shrimp might have ingested some vividly colored algae.
Sometimes the brown or black line is euphemistically called the “sand vein.” While cooks often remove it from large shrimp, it can be harder to detect, and less off-putting, in small and medium shrimp. Those smaller crustaceans eat smaller bits of food and therefore would be less likely to have obvious grittiness.
Is the vein in shrimp poop?
FAQ
Is it okay to eat the black stuff in shrimp?
Yes, it’s generally okay to eat the black line (vein) in shrimp, as it’s the shrimp’s digestive tract and not harmful when cooked.
What is this black stuff in my shrimp?
There’s a black line on the top of my shrimp – what is it? The black line on the top of a shrimp is its digestive tract, so yes, that’s poop you can see.May 22, 2023
Do you really need to devein shrimp?
… your shrimp fully (to an internal temperature of 145°F, according to the FDA), you likely do not actually need to devein shrimp from a safety perspectiveJul 26, 2023