Shrimp history
The word shrimp comes from the Middle English shrimpe, meaning "pygmy" or the crustacean itself. In the 7th century, shrimp and other seafood composed the majority of the Chinese diet, and still does today. In 1280, Marco Polo commented on the abundance of seafood in Chinese marketplaces, including shrimp. Harvesting of shrimp dates back to the 17th century, where Louisiana bayou residents used seines up to 2,000 feet in circumference to scoop up the delicacy. Mechanized shrimping didn't come about until after 1917. Today, the US harvests over 650 million pounds a year, more than any other country. And still this is not enough to fill the need. The US imports yet another 200 million pounds a year.Should shrimp be deveined?
This is pretty much a question of aesthetics. With large shrimp, it's fairly easy to devein them by slitting along the back and lifting out the vein with a knife. Most cooks won't bother deveining medium-sized or smaller shrimp, unless they look particularly dirty, although one will occasionally taste a tad gritty when left intact. You can see the vein through the shell and meat, so use your own judgement. Unless you are particularly patient and fussy, don't even bother with small shrimp. It could take literally hours. Some suppliers are now offering deveined shrimp, done without splitting the flesh or even removing the shell. And while we're talking of aesthetics, you can leave the tail on in dishes where it's obvious. In recipes where a heavy sauce may disguise the tail, you should remove it rather than surprise a guest with an unexpected crunchy bite. Some people actually enjoy eating the tail when it is deep-fried and crunchy.Shrimp selection
Shrimp come in a variety of sizes and types. Although there are more than 300 varieties of shrimp, the most popular types are the brown, pink, and white shrimp from the Atlantic ocean. These common names refer to the general color of the shrimp before cooking. Tiger shrimp is also popular, so named for its dark stripes. Yet, when these shrimp are cooked, the color turns from pink to bright orange-red due to a chemical change brought on by heat. Shrimp are normally graded by size and count, meaning the average number of shrimp to make a pound weight. The higher the number, the smaller the shrimp. In some areas, jumbo shrimp are referred to as prawns, but the prawn is actually a completely different species in the lobster family. Determining how much to buy will depend on the size, but generally count on 1/3 to 1/2 pound (shelled) per person. As a rule, the colder the water, the smaller and more succulent the shrimp.Shrimp sizes
Shrimp per pound:Shrimp is highly perishable. Fresh shrimp should ideally be eaten within 24 hours of purchase. Select firm shrimp with a mild scent. If there is any hint of the aroma of ammonia, it's a sign the shrimp is way past its prime. Some may have spots, an indication of poor handling. Many grocers sell shrimp that is defrosted, in which case the flesh will appear opaque. Truly fresh shrimp will have almost translucent flesh.
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