Base shrimp

Base shrimp

　　In the Songgang and Shajing areas, these small shrimp are called "sand shrimp," while in Hong Kong they are known as base shrimp. They resemble prawns but have a softer shell and are smaller in size, typically about the size of a middle finger. They are found along the shores of the Pearl River Estuary, in shallow coastal areas such as fishponds and tidal flats. Several areas in western Shenzhen produce this type of shrimp in abundance. Base shrimp can be prepared in many ways, commonly served by blanching, steaming, stir-frying the shrimp meat, or cooking shrimp pieces. Shrimp is high in protein and contains various vitamins, and is believed to have aphrodisiac properties. (Shenzhen)