Who doesn’t love prawns? If you live in a coastal area, it’s highly likely that you come from a family that enjoys these flavoursome crustaceans. We won’t be surprised if it’s part of your weekly diet. But do you know how to tell if the prawns you’re buying are fresh? Here are some essential tips:
1. Visual Cues: Seeing Freshness
If you’re in the market for fresh prawns, make sure you know how to spot varieties that are safe to consume. Here are some essential pointers:
- Shell appearance – Fresh prawns have a firm, translucent shell. Avoid prawns with dull, discoloured or soft shells. These signs indicate spoilage.
- Head and eyes – Look for prawns with heads firmly attached and clear, bright eyes. Loose heads or cloudy eyes signal the prawns aren’t fresh anymore.
- Legs and tails – Fresh prawns have firm legs that spring back when gently pressed. The tails should be curled under, not limp.
2. Texture Tells the Tale
Apart from appearance, you should also examine the texture. Keep these things in mind:
- Firmness – Fresh prawns are firm to the touch. Avoid mushy or soft prawns, which indicate they’ve been past their prime.
- Springy flesh – Gently press the prawn’s body. Fresh flesh bounces back quickly, while spoiled prawns leave an indentation.
3. The Power of Smell
Smell matters, but don’t worry because it won’t really take much to have a trained nose. You just need to remember that fresh prawns have a mild, ocean-like smell. Avoid anything with an off-putting ammonia odour, fishy stench or any other unpleasant smell.
Why Freshness Matters
Choosing fresh prawns ensures optimal taste, texture and safety. Fresh prawns cook evenly, retain their delicate flavour and are less likely to harbour harmful bacteria.
Bonus Tip: Online Seafood Delivery
With the rise of online seafood delivery services, you can now enjoy the convenience of having fresh prawns delivered straight to your door. Look for services that prioritise sustainable practices and clear traceability to ensure you receive the highest quality seafood. With these in mind, sources like Manettas should be top-of-mind.
Why Buy Prawns Online
While supermarkets and fishmongers offer prawns, online seafood marketplaces provide several advantages, including:
- Convenience – As mentioned earlier, you can order fresh prawns from the comfort of your home and have them delivered at your chosen time.
- Variety – Online platforms often offer a wider selection of prawn types and sizes compared to traditional stores.
- Traceability – Many online services provide detailed information about the source and sustainability practices of their seafood, allowing you to make informed choices.
- Quality control – Reputable online seafood marketplaces prioritise freshness and quality, ensuring you receive the best possible product.
- Customer service – The best seafood marketplaces provide first-rate customer service and should have knowledgeable staff to answer your questions.
Fresh prawns are a treat that’s worth seeking out. Follow our simple tips on how to choose fresh prawns to make sure what you’re getting are the finest-quality varieties available
