You might be in for a delightful surprise if you’ve never tried jumbo shrimp. While many assume these large crustaceans are just a big version of regular shrimp, they belong to a specific species known as Chinese white shrimp. These shrimp, often caught along coastal regions, are prized for their size and flavor. While there are around 2,900 shrimp species worldwide, Chinese white shrimp stands out in certain areas for its unique taste and texture. Let’s dive into some fascinating facts about these tasty sea creatures.
Autumn is the Season for Chinese White Shrimp
Chinese white shrimp are unique in that they move between coastal areas and deeper waters depending on their feeding and breeding needs. Their peak season in South Korea runs from September to December when they are plumpest and most flavorful. Unlike farmed shrimp, most Chinese white shrimp in South Korean markets are wild-caught. Although farming of Chinese white shrimp began in Asia decades ago, the shrimp you find on your plate today are often white-leg shrimp (a similar-looking species), which are farmed more commonly in South Korea and sold as tiger shrimp.
Excellent for Detoxing the Blood Vessels
Chinese white shrimp are delicious and packed with nutrients that can benefit your health. These shrimp are rich in glycine, an amino acid that provides both a sweet and savory taste. Beyond flavor, glycine is essential for promoting overall health. Chinese white shrimp also contain taurine, a compound that helps to flush out cholesterol, fats, toxins, and waste products from the blood vessels. Regularly consuming these shrimp can improve circulation and help prevent musculoskeletal issues like disc problems.
Boost Your Brain Power
Chinese white shrimp are a great source of chitosan, a compound known to enhance cognitive function and memory. These shrimp and chitosan are rich in astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage and has anti-aging solid benefits. The chitosan is mainly concentrated in the shrimp’s tail and shell. While many avoid eating the shell, it is commonly used in health supplements to improve skin health and beauty.
Prevents Osteoporosis
Chinese white shrimp are packed with calcium and phosphorus, essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis. Eating these shrimp can help provide your body with the nutrients needed to keep your bones healthy. In addition to calcium and phosphorus, they also contain trace elements like zinc and selenium. Zinc is critical in boosting the immune system, healing wounds, and aiding cell regeneration. Selenium, well-known for its antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties, may also contribute to cancer prevention. With its wide array of nutrients, Chinese white shrimp truly lives up to its reputation as a nutrient powerhouse.
How to Choose the Best Chinese White Shrimp
When selecting Chinese white shrimp, look for those with both the head and legs intact. The shells should appear firm, shiny, and translucent. Avoid shrimp with discolored tails or black liquid around the head, which could indicate spoilage. Sometimes, a reddish tint around the head might be mistaken for freshness, but this color change occurs as the shrimp decomposes. So, always choose healthy and fresh shrimp for the best quality.
Precautions When Preparing Chinese White Shrimp
It’s essential to be cautious when handling raw Chinese white shrimp. Their sharp horns, tails, and hard features can easily cause injury. If you get cut, there’s a risk of contracting a severe condition known as vibrio septicemia, a potentially deadly infection caused by bacteria from the shrimp. To prevent injury, wearing thick gloves when handling raw shrimp is a good idea, and you can wear disposable plastic gloves over the top for extra protection. Fortunately, cooked shrimp are much safer to handle, as cooking kills harmful bacteria.
How to Store Prepared Chinese White Shrimp
To store prepared Chinese white shrimp, remove the innards, rinse them thoroughly, and then dry them completely. Once dry, place them in a zip-lock bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer. Avoid using tap water during the rinsing process; rinse the shrimp with salt water for the final rinse to preserve their freshness. If the shrimp are not dried properly before freezing, ice crystals can form during storage, affecting the shrimp’s texture.
Vibrio Bacteria to Watch Out For
One of the biggest concerns when handling Chinese white shrimp is vibrio bacteria. Vibrio is a gram-negative bacterium that thrives in warm, salty waters. If the shrimp are not handled properly, this bacteria can cause infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. While mild food poisoning symptoms are common in healthy adults who get infected, the infection can be severe, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.
The High Mortality Rate of Vibrio Septicemia
Vibrio septicemia is a serious condition that can lead to death. Of the 279 reported cases of vibrio infection in recent years, 106 individuals succumbed to the illness, resulting in a fatality rate of approximately 38%. The bacteria are especially dangerous for individuals with underlying health conditions such as liver diseases (including cirrhosis and hepatitis), diabetes, and weakened immune systems. 92.6% of those who died from vibrio septicemia had underlying health conditions, many of which were related to liver problems.
How to Prevent Vibrio Bacteria Infection
Preventing vibrio infection is not only about handling shrimp properly but also about preparing them safely for eating. Make sure to wash and cook Chinese white shrimp thoroughly to kill any harmful bacteria. Heating shrimp to 60°C (140°F) for 5 minutes or 55°C (131°F) for 10 minutes will effectively destroy vibrio bacteria. Always rinse shrimp thoroughly under running water before cooking, and avoid eating the internal organs, as the bacteria are most likely to reside there. Since the internal organs of Chinese white shrimp are concentrated in the head, be especially cautious when consuming the head of the shrimp to minimize the risk of infection.
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