The “vein” of the shrimp: the culinary detail that few know and many discuss

The “vein” of the shrimp: the culinary detail that few know and many discuss

That dark, thin line running along the back of a shrimp? It’s commonly called the “vein,” but it’s not a vein at all—and whether you should remove it depends on more than just aesthetics.

Let’s clear up the confusion once and for all.

🔍 What Is the “Vein”?

It’s the shrimp’s digestive tract—essentially its intestine.
The dark color comes from undigested food or waste (often algae or plankton).
There’s also a white “vein” along the underside—this is the actual nerve cord, not a blood vessel.