This detail can be ignored without worry
You may have also noticed another small line, this time on the shrimp’s ventral side. This is a natural blood vessel and contains no residue. Therefore, there’s no need to remove it: only the dark line on the back is relevant.
One indicator among others of freshness
The color of the digestive tract can sometimes serve as a visual indicator. A very dark line may suggest prolonged storage or less-than-ideal handling, while a lighter shade is often associated with fresher shrimp. This small detail in the kitchen isn’t a hard and fast rule, but it can help refine your choice.
Ultimately, removing the vein from the shrimp isn’t mandatory, but it’s an extra touch that, as is often the case in cooking, makes the difference between a merely acceptable dish and a truly delicious one.
