How to preserve dried shrimp to keep it long lasting and delicious

Dried shrimp is convenient to store for later use and can also be used to make many delicious dishes. However, to keep the natural sweetness and characteristic aroma, the way to preserve dried shrimp is extremely important.

There are many different ways to preserve dried shrimp, depending on the conditions and the time of intended use. Each preservation method has its own advantages, helping to preserve the natural flavor, color and elasticity of the shrimp.

Below are 3 popular ways to preserve dried shrimp that you can apply at home.

Store dried shrimp at room temperature

Specialist Doctor 1 Nguyen Thu Ha (Long Chau Pharmacy - Vaccination System) said that in places with dry climates, you can still apply the method of preserving dried shrimp at room temperature. Before storing, you should dry the shrimp in the sun or dry it gently for 1 - 2 hours to completely remove any remaining moisture. Then, put the shrimp in a sealed jar or vacuum-sealed plastic bag to limit exposure to air. Dried shrimp should be placed in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and high humidity. With this method, you will always have dried shrimp available to use for about 1 - 2 weeks if the storage environment is stable.

In places with dry climates, dried shrimp can be preserved at room temperature.

Photo: AI

How to preserve dried shrimp in the refrigerator

Storing food in the refrigerator is the simplest and most convenient way that any family can apply. After drying or drying, put the shrimp in a glass jar with a tight lid or zip bag, close tightly to prevent moisture from entering.

Dried shrimp should be placed in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2-5°C, avoiding the position near the refrigerator door where there are frequent temperature changes. This way, dried shrimp can keep their delicious flavor for 2-3 weeks. A small tip to keep the shrimp dry and delicious is to line the container with more desiccant paper or put a small food desiccant packet in the container.

Preservation by freezing dried shrimp

If you want to keep dried shrimp longer, you can choose this method. Freeze. Divide the prawns into small portions, seal them in zip-top bags or plastic wrap, and store at -18°C. This prevents “freezer burn” and the prawns from absorbing odours from other foods in the freezer.

With this method, dried shrimp can be kept for 3 to 6 months while still retaining its color, toughness and characteristic flavor. When you need to use it, you should only defrost Leave at room temperature for about 15 - 20 minutes. Absolutely do not use a microwave or hot water because sudden high temperatures can cause the shrimp to lose its sweetness and become dry and hard, affecting the quality of the dish.

Put shrimp in a sealed jar or vacuum-sealed plastic bag, limit exposure to air to preserve for a long time.

Photo: AI

Tips to help dried shrimp keep its beautiful color and flavor longer

To keep the dried shrimp's natural orange-red color, characteristic aroma and inherent deliciousness, in addition to proper storage, you should also apply the following tips:

• Before storing the shrimp in a box or bag, dry it in an air fryer at 80°C for about 10 minutes to completely remove any remaining moisture. This step will help the shrimp dry better, limit mold and prolong the storage time.
• Dried or sun-dried shrimp need to be cooled completely before storing in bags or boxes to avoid steaming, which will cause the shrimp to spoil quickly.
• Should use bag vacuum When packaging, minimize shrimp exposure to air because this is the main cause of shrimp oxidation, discoloration and loss of odor.
• You can add a small food desiccant packet in the shrimp jar to help balance the humidity and better protect the dried shrimp.
• Avoid storing dried shrimp with wet foods or foods with strong odors (onions, garlic, fish sauce, etc.), as they can cause the shrimp to absorb moisture and absorb odors.
• Check regularly during storage and if you see signs of moisture, you need to dry the shrimp in the light sun again. If you see signs of mold, change in color or taste, you should not continue to use the shrimp.

Notes when using dried shrimp

According to Dr. Thu Ha, when using dried shrimp that has been preserved for a long time, users need to pay attention to the following points to ensure health safety. Dried shrimp that has been frozen for a long time often becomes tougher and harder than new shrimp. Therefore, before cooking, you should soak the shrimp in warm water for about 5-10 minutes to soften the shrimp, making it easier to process. In addition, if using dried shrimp for children, the elderly or people with weak digestive systems, you should prioritize choosing new shrimp that has been preserved for 1-2 weeks to ensure fresh flavor and avoid the risk of bacterial contamination.

Distinguishing whether dried shrimp that has been preserved for a long time is still good or has been spoiled is an important factor that helps you avoid risks when using. Good dried shrimp often has a natural orange-red color, is dry, does not stick to your hands and gives off a light aroma typical of dried seafood, not fishy, ​​not pungent. When squeezed lightly, the shrimp has a moderate toughness and does not crumble, proving that the shrimp is properly dried and well preserved.

On the contrary, spoiled dried shrimp will have white or black mold, the color will change from red-orange to opaque gray or dark yellow, unpleasant smell, and feel wet and slimy to the touch. If you detect the above unusual signs, you should absolutely not continue to use it to avoid the risk. food poisoning

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cach-bao-quan-tom-kho-de-duoc-lau-thom-ngon-18525120111042841.htm