Shrimp is easily tampered with to add weight, by injecting substances into the body or soaking it to look plumper. No visual sign is completely certain, but the points below help buyers stay alert.
Fresh shrimp usually has
- A glossy, translucent shell in the species’ natural colour; the head firmly attached.
- A springy body that returns to shape after a light press.
- A light sea smell and no unusual odour.
Signs to watch for
- An unusually swollen body, especially the head and tail segments.
- Hard lumps or a gel-like layer under the shell, and a shell that is hard to peel.
- Head and body separating, or a darkened head.
- Unusually cloudy cooking water, or shrimp that shrink a lot when boiled.
The safest approach
Buy from sellers with a clear source who state the species, size, form and how weight is measured. For wholesale, agree the specification and how goods are checked on delivery when the price is quoted.
