When you’re choosing prawns, it’s important to know a few helpful hints to ensure you’re getting delicious and fresh ones. Not everyone is aware of these key indicators, so let’s dive into them to guarantee the tastiest meal.

Notice the Heads and Tails of Prawns

When you’re picking out prawns, take a close look at their heads and tails. Some might have blackened areas in these places. This blackening is often due to an enzyme reaction that prawns undergo when exposed to high temperatures, a lack of oxygen, or other factors. Such discoloration is a sign that the prawns may have been left out for too long, suggesting spoilage. It’s best to steer clear of these.

Avoid the Hard Prawns That Are Not Curling

If you notice the prawns are hard and not naturally curled, it might be that they’ve been injected with substances. Normally, prawns should be soft and curved. Those that have been tampered with often feel bloated and hard. When cooked, these prawns can lose a lot of water, causing the meat to shrink significantly.

Skin Check

Take a good look at the prawn’s skin. Skin that clings tightly to the flesh signifies freshness, while skin that looks like it’s peeling or detaching suggests the prawns have been out for too long.

Other Tips for Buying Prawns

Consider opting for fresh over frozen prawns if you can. Fresher options generally offer better flavor and texture than those that have been frozen.

Be sure to give the prawns a sniff test. Fresh prawns should not emit a fishy or unpleasant odor. A strong, off-putting smell often indicates that the prawns may not be fresh.

Watch out for the color. Choose prawns with vibrant, clear colors. Brownish or dull prawns might be a sign of poor quality or age.

Be wary of prawns with red or black spots on their bodies. Such spots can be indicators of infection or damage to the prawns, suggesting you should avoid them for the best taste and safety.