In the realm of culinary delights, shrimp undoubtedly holds a special place. Whether it’s the spicy crayfish enjoyed with beer on hot summer days or the steaming hot pot featuring geoduck shrimp in winter, the taste of shrimp is always irresistible.
However, a recent video circulating online has cast doubts on shrimp among many people. In the video, someone cuts open a shrimp head and uses a needle to pick out two long, thin white threads, claiming they are parasites in the shrimp. This claim quickly spread on the internet, sparking widespread concern and discussion among netizens.
So, are these two white threads really parasites? Or is it just another online rumor? This article will delve into this issue.
The Delight and Controversy of Shrimp
Shrimp, as an aquatic product suitable for all seasons, is deeply loved by people. Whether steamed, braised, fried, or grilled, shrimp can conquer people’s taste buds with its unique texture and delicious flavor. However, along with the delight of shrimp, there are endless controversies and rumors. From the parasite incident involving crayfish to the fallacy that eating shrimp with vitamin C is equivalent to ingesting arsenic, to the rumor that mantis shrimp are injected with glue, the shrimp family seems to be constantly in the spotlight.
The spread of these rumors not only creates misunderstandings about shrimp but also affects people’s dietary choices. However, the truth is often vastly different from the rumors. For example, the crayfish parasite incident has long been proven to be a rumor, as high-temperature cooking can effectively kill parasites and ensure food safety. The claim that eating shrimp with vitamin C is equivalent to ingesting arsenic is even more absurd. The arsenic content in shrimp is extremely low, and the amount of arsenic produced by the reaction with vitamin C is negligible, insufficient to harm the human body.
The Mystery of the White Threads: The Truth Unveiled
Returning to the topic of this article, what are the white threads in shrimp heads? Are they parasites or something else? To answer this question, we consulted multiple aquatic experts and food safety experts. After detailed explanations and field investigations by experts, we have concluded that these two white threads are not parasites but the testes of male shrimp.
The testes are part of the male shrimp’s reproductive system, responsible for storing and releasing sperm. When shrimp are immature, the testes are usually clear and transparent; when mature, they turn milky white. Therefore, when we cut open a shrimp head and use a needle to pick out these two white threads, they are actually the testes of male shrimp. This discovery not only debunks the parasite rumor but also provides people with a deeper understanding of shrimp.
Furthermore, experts point out that the possibility of parasites in shrimp is very low. Parasitic infections usually have a certain infection rate and do not affect all shrimp. Moreover, the distribution of parasites in shrimp is usually uneven, making it difficult to pick out parasites from any shrimp at random. Additionally, from an economic perspective, if shrimp have a large number of parasites, their health status will be poor, and farmers will take measures for prevention and control to avoid losses. Therefore, from multiple perspectives, the possibility of parasites in shrimp is very small.
Tips for Eating Shrimp Safely and Healthily
Although we have unveiled the truth behind the white threads in shrimp heads, ensuring the safety and health of eating shrimp remains an important issue. To this end, we have compiled some tips for eating shrimp safely and healthily for your reference.
Identifying Fresh Crayfish: When eating crayfish, we can judge their freshness by observing their shape. If the tail of the crayfish is straight, it is likely a dead crayfish; if the tail is curved and the body is curled up, it indicates that it is a live crayfish. Additionally, crayfish should not be quickly stir-fried, and sufficient cooking time should be ensured to kill any potential parasites. Meanwhile, the head of crayfish is prone to accumulating heavy metals and bacteria, so it is best not to eat it.
Identifying Glue-Injected Shrimp by Squeezing the Belly: When purchasing and consuming shrimp aquatic products, we should be careful to identify whether they have been injected with glue. The abdominal cavity and body parts of glue-injected shrimp will become soft, and the belly will be particularly swollen. If it feels hard when squeezed, be wary of glue injection. When cooking, you can cut along the abdominal cavity to observe whether there is transparent gelatinous material flowing out from inside the shrimp, especially near the head connection. If the aquatic product has an unpleasant odor or the gelatin does not easily dissolve, it may contain harmful industrial gelatin, and it should not be consumed.
Eating Shrimp Shells for Calcium: For smaller shrimp, we can eat them with their shells. The calcium content in shrimp shells is relatively high, although it is not easily absorbed by the human body, it can still play a slight role in calcium supplementation. However, it is important to note that when eating shrimp shells, ensure they have been thoroughly cleaned to avoid ingesting too many impurities and bacteria.
Black Heads of Cooked Arctic Shrimp: For cooked Arctic shrimp, blackening or shedding of the head may indicate freshness issues. However, this is not the case for wild Arctic shrimp. When Arctic shrimp are caught, the sudden change in atmospheric pressure may cause their stomachs to rupture. Since the stomach of Arctic shrimp is located in the head and the shell is transparent, the black or brown plankton or algae they have eaten will spread out, making the head appear black. Additionally, female Arctic shrimp during the spawning period may have mature shrimp roe, and the head may also appear faintly dark green. These are normal phenomena, and consuming this “black-headed” Arctic shrimp will not harm the human body. However, if it is visually unacceptable, the shrimp head can be removed before eating.
Conclusion: Discerning Rumors and Enjoying Gourmet Delights
In the world of gourmet delights, rumors always follow closely. But as long as we maintain rational thinking and the ability to distinguish right from wrong, we can easily uncover the truth behind these rumors.
For shrimp, this delicious aquatic product, we should not only enjoy the taste feast it brings but also learn how to consume it safely and healthily. Only in this way can we ensure our physical health and food safety while enjoying gourmet delights.
In the future, let us continue to use wisdom and courage to explore the mysteries of gourmet delights! Let every bite of food become a beautiful landscape in our lives! At the same time, let us work together to create a healthier and safer food environment!
