Learning how to devein shrimp is a necessary cooking tip for those who love to cook with shrimp. It’s the final step to make sure that your finished dish looks clean and restaurant quality.
Sometimes, this task may have been done for you by the retailer where you purchased the shrimp. Sometimes you’ll have to do it yourself, like when the shrimp still have their shells on.
Shrimp don’t actually have veins, since their circulatory system is open. The only bad thing about them is a long line on their back that looks like a vein.
Fortunately for us, cleaning this shrimp vein is easy. Keep reading to find out how to do it.
There is nothing more beautiful than a plate of cooked shrimp with the vein taken out and the back open.
Any good restaurant knows that presentation of shrimp means de-veining them prior to serving. If the dark vein on the shrimp was still visible, the plate in the picture below would not look nearly as good.
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Shrimp are a popular type of seafood that are enjoyed by people across the world. Their sweet, briny flavor and tender texture make them a staple ingredient in many cuisines. But when it comes to preparing shrimp some people may notice two distinct lines running along the length of their bodies and wonder – do shrimp have 2 veins?
The short answer is yes. Shrimp have two main vein-like structures the digestive tract and the ventral nerve cord. While not actual veins that carry blood, these two anatomical features are commonly referred to as the “veins” in shrimp. Let’s take a closer look at the purpose and function of these shrimp veins.
The Digestive Tract – The Primary “Vein” in Shrimp
The most noticeable vein in shrimp is the digestive tract, which runs along the dorsal or top side of the body from head to tail. This tract encompasses the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and anus, forming a continuous passageway for food.
As shrimp eat, food passes through the digestive tract where nutrients are extracted and absorbed into the body. The digestive tract also enables a shrimp to excrete waste, much like many other animals.
When preparing shrimp for cooking, the digestive tract is sometimes removed in a process called deveining. This thin, dark vein can hold bits of grit or sediment that shrimp ingest, which some find unappetizing. Removing it also gives the shrimp a prettier, more appetizing appearance.
However, the digestive tract is perfectly edible and many cooks choose to leave it in, especially for dishes where the vein is less noticeable like shrimp scampi or etouffee. When deveining shrimp, only a shallow slit along the back is needed to extract the tract.
The Ventral Nerve Cord – Key to Sensory Function
The second vein-like structure in shrimp is the ventral nerve cord, which runs along the underside or ventral side of the body. Rather than digestive function, the ventral nerve cord serves a sensory purpose.
It is a major component of the shrimp nervous system, connecting sensory neurons from organs like the eyes and antennae to the brain. The ventral nerve cord allows a shrimp to perceive signals from its environment and elicit responses.
So while we refer to the ventral nerve cord as a vein, it does not transport food like the digestive tract. Its role is carrying neural signals that are key to a shrimp’s sensory abilities and survival.
Similarities and Differences Between the Veins
While the digestive tract and ventral nerve cord are distinct in their functions, there are some key similarities:
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They run lengthwise through the shrimp’s body in close proximity.
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Both are referred to as “veins” though they do not carry blood.
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They are vital to the shrimp’s physiology and survival.
Some key differences:
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The digestive tract removes waste while the ventral nerve cord transmits sensory signals.
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The digestive tract is along the back while the ventral nerve cord is along the belly.
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The digestive tract is more visible whereas the ventral nerve cord is subtle.
Other Important Shrimp Anatomy
In addition to the two main veins, shrimp have other anatomical structures that enable their respiration, circulation, movement, reproduction and more.
Heart and Gills – Shrimp have a heart to pump blood and gills to extract oxygen from the water. The blood is clear rather than red.
Hepatopancreas – This gland aids digestion and nutrient absorption, similar to the liver and pancreas in humans.
Appendages – Shrimp have five pairs of legs for mobility plus paddles called swimmerets under their bellies. Their eyes are on stalks that can rotate 360 degrees.
Reproductive Organs – Shrimp have separate sexes and the female carries eggs on her underside which later hatch into larvae.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Veins
- Can you eat the veins in shrimp?
Yes, the digestive tract and ventral nerve cord are harmless if consumed. Some choose to remove the digestive tract but the ventral nerve cord generally remains.
- Do the veins impact the taste or texture of shrimp?
No, the veins do not significantly affect the flavor or texture of shrimp when cooked properly.
- Are the veins visible in whole shrimp?
The digestive tract may be visible as a thin, dark line along the back. The ventral nerve cord blends in more subtly.
- Can the veins be removed before cooking?
Yes, the digestive tract can be removed through deveining. This involves a shallow cut along the back to extract the tract.
- Is it necessary to remove the veins when cooking shrimp?
It is not required. Deveining is optional based on personal preference. Many dishes have no need to remove it.
- Are shrimp veins safe to consume?
Yes, the digestive tract and ventral nerve cord pose no health risks if accidentally consumed. Some cultures eat shrimp with veins intact.
- Do all shrimp species have two veins?
The digestive tract and ventral nerve cord are consistent anatomical features in all shrimp. Size and appearance may vary slightly by species.
- What are other edible parts of a shrimp?
The tail meat, legs, head, and even shells can be edible when shrimp are properly prepared. The veins are harmless parts.
- Are the veins nutritious?
While not the most nutrient-dense part, the veins contribute some protein, minerals and other nutrients like any shrimp flesh.
- How are the veins removed during commercial processing?
Machines quickly split, devein and clean large volumes of shrimp in processing plants. Hand deveining is used for smaller batches.
How to devein shrimp with the shell on
My photos show peeled shrimp that have been deveined. You can also devein shrimp with shells on.
In this case, cut along the shell with sharp kitchen shears first to find the vein. The vein should be visible if you pry open the cut area.
Then, use the tip of a sharp knife to remove the vein.
You can also remove the body of the shell and leave the tail intact. The choice depends on your recipe and preferred presentation.
I used these shrimp in my new Shrimp Alfredo recipe with broccoli. You can view the recipe here.
What is the black line in shrimp?
There are two “veins” in shrimp. One is a white vein which is on the underside of the shrimp. It is white because a shrimp has clear blood.
I don’t think it’s necessary to remove the clear vein from the shrimp for food safety reasons, but you can if it bothers you.
The main “vein” is the one which runs along the top of the body. This is the alimentary canal, also known as the “sand vein,” which is where all of the shrimp’s waste, like sand, goes.
This is done to keep you from biting into the sand and grit when you eat shrimp. The black line is taken off because it doesn’t look good.
Although deveining shrimp is a common practice, it is not actually necessary. The vein is safe to eat. Many people like to remove it for aesthetic reasons or personal preference.
They make a deveiner for shrimp, but the process is very easy to do at home with tools you already have on hand.
