Mantis shrimp

Mantis shrimp

　　The scientific name of the mantis shrimp is "squilla," also known as the guitar shrimp or "pee shrimp." It has shrimp-like eyes and crab-like legs, resembling a centipede, with two pairs of antennae—the first pair being longer and sickle-shaped. Its body is grayish, and the tail segment is red. The larger ones can grow up to a foot long, while the smaller ones are just two or three inches. Mantis shrimp are delicious and inexpensive, and can be prepared by deep-frying, steaming, or boiling, offering a variety of flavors. However, there is one way of eating them that terrifies people inland and deters them from trying it—but in Raoping, everyone, regardless of age or gender, enjoys it immensely. That is to take freshly caught live mantis shrimp from the sea, salt-cure them for a day or two, and eat them right away. People in Raoping like to enjoy this salted mantis shrimp with sweet potato congee, creating an incredibly satisfying and perfectly balanced flavor. When paired with alcohol, it becomes a true delicacy and is a beloved seafood among coastal residents. It has now also become a popular dish on the menus of hotels and restaurants in coastal cities.

Raoping’s shallow coastal waters are rich in resources, and mantis shrimp are abundant. They live on sandy seabeds in shallow waters, often hiding in muddy sand or crevices in rocks. They can be fished all year round, but spring is the peak season. During this time, the mantis shrimp are plump, tender, and delicious, with a yolk-like substance inside their flesh known as "red-heart mantis shrimp"—considered the tastiest.

Mantis shrimp are a nutritious and juicy seafood with tender, flavorful meat. Their flesh contains a high amount of moisture, tastes sweet and smooth, is light yet soft, and boasts a uniquely enticing umami flavor. Plump mantis shrimp have heads full of rich roe, making the meat exceptionally tender and delicious—though unfortunately, they are more shell than flesh. They are high in protein (up to 20%), contain 0.7% fat, and provide essential nutrients such as vitamins, chlorogenic acid, inosinic acid, and alanine. Mantis shrimp are warm in nature and sweet in taste. They are believed to nourish kidney yang, promote blood circulation, stimulate saliva production, aid lactation, and help detoxify the body.