Eating shrimp tails is a controversial topic. Some people love to eat the entire shrimp, tail included. Others find shrimp tails unappetizing and prefer to remove them before eating. So what’s the verdict – should you eat shrimp tails or not?
What is the shrimp tail made of?
The tail of a shrimp is composed of the telson and uropods. The telson is the rear section of the tail, while the uropods are the small appendages on the sides. Structurally, the tail is an extension of the shrimp’s shell or exoskeleton. It’s made up of chitin, a hard material that provides armor and framework for the shrimp. Underneath the shell, the tail contains muscle tissue and the shrimp’s digestive tract.
Nutritional content of shrimp tails
Like the rest of the shell, shrimp tails are low in nutritional value. The tail meat contains minimal amounts of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. The tail is not a significant source of nutrients compared to the shrimp meat in the abdomen. Here is a nutritional comparison of 3 oz. of steamed shrimp meat versus tails:
| Nutrient | Shrimp meat (3 oz) | Shrimp tails (3 oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 84 | 22 |
| Protein | 18 g | 2 g |
| Fat | 1 g | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g | 0 g |
| Sodium | 168 mg | 55 mg |
As the data shows, the tail has far less nutritional value compared to the shrimp body. The tail is high in chitin, which is indigestible fiber.
Texture and taste of shrimp tail
The tail of a shrimp has a tougher, crunchier texture compared to the flesh. When cooked, the tail meat doesn’t become plump like the abdomen meat. The tail tends to retain a rubbery, crunchy consistency.
In terms of flavor, the tail meat has a mild seafood taste. But the predominant flavor is the hardened shell surrounding the meat. Many people find the texture unappealing and the flavor lacking compared to the sweetness of the shrimp itself. The tail is not necessarily unpleasant, but it doesn’t add anything to the experience of eating shrimp.
Eating the tail shell can cause harm
The shell that surrounds the shrimp tail is indigestible and potentially dangerous if consumed. Chitin cannot be broken down and absorbed by the human digestive system. At best, eating shrimp tails may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, abdominal pain or constipation.
At worst, the rigid tail shell can pose a legitimate choking hazard or internal damage. There are documented cases of people experiencing perforations or lacerations of the throat, esophagus and intestines after eating shrimp tails. For example:
- A 4-year-old boy in China died after a shrimp tail punctured his neck and caused severe infection.
- A 63-year-old man required emergency surgery after swallowing a shrimp tail that tore his esophagus.
- Doctors warn of a risk of intestinal blockage or perforation from eating hard shrimp shells.
The risk is heightened for those with underlying gastrointestinal issues, but healthy people are also susceptible. Chewing shrimp tails thoroughly reduces, but does not eliminate, this hazard.
Choking risk of swallowing shrimp tails whole
One of the biggest risks of eating shrimp tails is choking. Children are especially prone to choking when they swallow shrimp tails without adequately chewing them.
If the tail shell goes down the trachea rather than the esophagus, it can get lodged and obstruct the airways, preventing breathing. Choking on shrimp tails can quickly become life-threatening if it completely blocks oxygen flow.
One study found shrimp was the food most commonly associated with choking deaths in children. Experts advise peeling shrimp tails before giving them to kids or elderly adults to mitigate choking risk.
Social customs around eating shrimp tails
In many cultures, it’s considered proper etiquette to remove the shrimp tails before eating. The tails are seen as discardable parts rather than edible food. Leaving tails on cooked shrimp when served whole is viewed as sloppy or rude.
However, some cultures do consume the entire shrimp, head and all. In parts of Asia such as Vietnam, Thailand and China, the shrimp head and shell are enjoyed. The shrimp head is considered the most flavorful part.
So whether or not to eat the tails often comes down to personal preference and social norms around shrimp consumption. Those who enjoy eating the shell can do so safely by peeling and thoroughly chewing the tails.
How to remove shrimp tails
If you opt not to eat the tails, here are some easy methods to remove them before cooking or serving:
– Hold the body firmly, then twist and pull the tail off. There is a natural breaking point where the tail detaches.
– Use clean kitchen shears or scissors to snip the tail off right where it meets the abdomen. Make sure to cut off the very end of the flesh so no sharp points remain.
– For a large batch, put tails facing up and snip off using sturdy kitchen scissors. You can also use shrimp deveiners with a blade specifically for this task.
– Peel the shell starting from the wide end working towards the narrower tail and slip it off intact. This keeps more of the flesh intact.
– Buy pre-cooked, pre-peeled shrimp to avoid the step altogether. Just watch out for added sodium from processing.
Conclusion
While some shrimp aficionados enjoy the added crunch and flavor of eating the entire shrimp, including the tail, there are decent reasons to remove the tails before eating. The tail shell has minimal nutritional value, poses a choking hazard, and can potentially damage the digestive tract. For safety and etiquette, it may be advisable to peel shrimp tails and stick to eating the abdomen meat. Ultimately it’s up to individual preference and risk tolerance.
