Mushy Shrimp

[Garyak]

My last overnight soak only yielded about a hundred shrimp. I went to smoke half of them and discovered about 10 of them were very mushy/grainy and basically crumbled in my hands. I always purge mine overboard in a big nylon laundry bag..then pop the heads and right on the ice. It's common to have a couple duds but 20% seems high to me. Anyone else notice this or did I just get unlucky?

[Patsfan54]

I flush the whole shrimp numerous times, then I remove the heads and flush the tails numerous times, then on to the ice. If you find a slimy dark or black gooey film then you need to flush more. Shrimp blood is clear so the more you flush, especially after removing the head, the better.

[Daveinthebush]

Were they medium sized?

[potbuilder]

later in the season the more you'll see them. I think has has something to do with them gender bending !

[Garyak]

Were they medium sized?

Actually, yes. The "crumblers" were average size. The jumbos and smalls were firm.

[Garyak]

later in the season the more you'll see them. I think has has something to do with them gender bending !

Probably right....1st time for me seeing that much defect in a small sample, though.

[Daveinthebush]

Actually, yes. The "crumblers" were average size. The jumbos and smalls were firm.

Just wondering if maybe those are going thru their sex change. All shrimp start out as male and at 2-3 years old change to female. I wonder if "the change" has anything to do with it. I know the change certainly affects people.

[potbuilder]

Probably right....1st time for me seeing that much defect in a small sample, though.

Must of set next to the right hangout/club !