What Is the Black Line on Shrimp? Here’s What You Should Know Before Cooking

Shrimp are quick to cook, versatile, and easy to add to everything from pasta and rice to salads and stir-fries.

But if you’ve ever prepared raw shrimp, you may have noticed a dark line running along the back.

Some people immediately remove it. Others cook the shrimp without giving it a second thought.

So what exactly is that dark line—and should you remove it?

What Is the “Black Vein”?

Despite commonly being called a vein, the dark line along the back of a shrimp is actually part of its digestive tract.

Depending on the shrimp and what it has eaten, the tract may appear dark, brown, gray, or almost black.

It can contain digestive material and other contents from the shrimp’s digestive system.

That doesn’t automatically mean the shrimp is spoiled or unsafe.

Do You Have to Remove It?

Not necessarily.

The digestive tract is generally considered safe to eat when shrimp have been properly handled and thoroughly cooked.

However, many people choose to remove it because they prefer the appearance or texture of cleaned shrimp.

The dark line can sometimes have a slightly gritty texture, particularly in larger shrimp.