Fresh Whole Raw Mantis Shrimp

Mantis shrimp with the armoured, segmented tail and the folded raptorial claws at the front. The shell is a warm brown-orange banded with darker stripes; on the ones cut open, a bright orange roe runs down the body above the pale flesh.

The shell is hard and the meat is sweet, so they are usually steamed or boiled briefly and peeled at the table. Cut the shell down both sides with scissors to lift the meat out in one piece. Handle the claws with care — they are sharp.

• Whole, head and segmented shell on
• Brown-orange banded shell, orange roe
• Steam or boil briefly, then peel
• Sharp claws — handle with care

Keep frozen at -18°C or below. Thaw in the refrigerator and cook thoroughly before eating.