The Truth About Eating the Black Vein in Shrimp Tails

Should You Remove the Black Vein in Shrimp? That black line along a shrimp’s back isn’t a vein—it’s the digestive tract, which may contain sand or food particles. Is It Safe to Eat? Yes. It’s not harmful if the shrimp is cooked properly, but it can taste gritty or bitter. When to Remove It: Larger shrimp: More visible and gritty—best to remove. Smaller shrimp: Often skipped due to size. Refined dishes: Remove for better flavor and presentation. How to Devein: Make a shallow cut along the back, lift out the vein with a knife or toothpick, and rinse under cold water. While optional, deveining can improve taste and texture—especially in upscale dishes