How to pick the black thread for shrimp
In the process of cooking shrimp, removing the shrimp line (the digestive tract of the shrimp, commonly known as the "black line") is an important step. Shrimp threads not only affect the taste, but may also contain sediment and odor. This article will detail how to remove shrimp floss efficiently and cleanly, along with relevant tips and precautions.
1. What is shrimp thread?

The shrimp line is the digestive tract of the shrimp, located on the back of the shrimp, and is usually black or dark brown. Although shrimp threads are harmless to humans, unremoved shrimp threads can affect the taste and appearance of shrimps.
2. Tools for removing shrimp lines
Here are the commonly used tools and their pros and cons:
| Tools | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| toothpick | Convenient and easy to use, simple to operate | Easy to break, please handle with caution |
| scissors | Fast and accurate, suitable for batch processing | It requires certain skills, and it may hurt the hands of novices. |
| Special shrimp trimming knife | Professional and efficient, not easy to damage shrimp meat | Requires additional purchase |
3. Steps to Remove Shrimp Lines
Here are the specific steps for three common methods:
| method | steps |
|---|---|
| toothpick method | 1. Turn the shrimp back up and insert a toothpick from the second section of the shrimp head; 2. Gently lift the shrimp line and slowly pull it out; 3. Rinse clean. |
| scissors | 1. Use scissors to cut the shell along the back of the shrimp; 2. After exposing the shrimp line, use the tip of scissors to pick it out; 3. Rinse clean. |
| Shrimp line removal method | 1. Turn the shrimp back up and cut the back with the tip of a knife; 2. Pick out the shrimp thread directly; 3. Rinse clean. |
4. Precautions
1.Freshness check: The darker the color of the shrimp thread, the lower the freshness of the shrimp may be. It is recommended to buy live shrimp or chilled shrimp first.
2.Operation strength: Be gentle when picking shrimp threads to avoid breaking the shrimp threads.
3.Sanitation: After removing the shrimp line, rinse the shrimp body thoroughly to avoid residual sediment.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do the shrimp threads have to be removed?
A: Shrimp threads are harmless to the human body, but they taste better after being removed. It is recommended to handle them before cooking.
Q: What should I do if the shrimp meat tends to fall apart when deveining the shrimp?
A: Choose fresh shrimp, be gentle when handling, and avoid using excessive force.
Q: Is there a faster way?
A: When processing in batches, you can use the scissors method or the shrimp line remover, which is more efficient.
6. Summary
Removing shrimp floss is a key step in cooking shrimp, and choosing the right tools and methods can get twice the result with half the effort. Whether you are cooking at home or hosting a party, clean shrimp will make the dish more popular. Hopefully the guidance in this article will help you master this technique with ease!
check the details
check the details