Shrimp

Buying Shrimp: Always buy shrimp with their shells and preferably with their heads (for the heads you’ll probably need to shop in an Asian market). Although the flavor differs somewhat among species, the most important thing to look for is freshness. Because most of the shrimp available in the United States has been frozen and then thawed before being sold, it is often a good idea to buy frozen shrimp and thaw them yourself. Frozen shrimp usually come in 5-pound boxes; if you have room in your freezer, this is the least expensive way to buy it.