Trivia #4 - Why would prawn become reddish orange when cooked?
Have you ever wondered when prawns are cooked why the color can change so much - from bluish green to reddish orange?
The key of this phenomenon is all because of a pigment called astaxanthin which exists on the shells of prawns. This pigment is reddish orange originally but it would combine with a protein called crustacyanin to form a bluish green compound. However, when prawns are cooked, the proteins would be damaged such that astaxanthin would restore its original state, thus a reddish orange color would be observed.
The mechanism of change of colors of shelled organisms has actually been studied for years, and a few years ago the researchers in the University of Manchester published an article about the mechanism of change of colors of lobster when cooked.
Their research result may seem interesting but not too meaningful, however this is not true at all! Now researchers are further investigating the usage of this research result, including using astaxanthin to assist people judging whether a food is fully cooked or not. This seems to be a interesting invention that can help people who are not experienced in cooking! At least you can tell whether the food is edible right? :)
Reference: http://pansci.asia/archives/80085
http://www.kingcrab.co.uk/
Previous trivia
Trivia #1 - Explosive ant
Trivia #2 - Rabbits eat shit!
Trivia #3 - Why spam is called spam?
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Thank you for sharing this. Never seriously think about this before. I believe the same argument applies to why meat and other seafood will change colors after processed. Another notable point is that some substances inside prawns' heads are not eatable but some people love to take those things in
you are welcome! glad that you enjoy it
Wow that is some serious chemical stuff in the explanation of red shrimps!
Interesting and informative... first time learn such cold knowledge. Upvoted! Looking forward to reading more and more sharings from you :)
Yes chemistry is related to many things in our daily lives! My cold knowledge series is not only related to science though, I will sometimes share posts about history and arts as well! Make sure you follow me for more interesting posts :)
Thanks for replying! It would be excellent to read more posts and learn more cold knowledge as I can know things that I usually don't pay attention to! Followed for sure! Wish you a nice weekend
Hahah that answers my questions for years! I now understand why it changes colour... it's so scientific haha! Nice sharing on knowledge! Wait for more posts like this!!
Glad that this post answers your question! Make sure you follow me to learn more new things :)
And you can challenge your friends on this question when you have hotpot next time :)
Because they feel shy without shell
that's very logical
I am sure you will be a good scientist
Everytime I see a picture of food, I feel hungry!!!
Me too!! hahaha
particularly when it is in late night it is so tempting to see delicious food photos lol
Glad that you are attracted by this article :)
Next time you can challenge your friends by asking them this :)
I dun care as long as they r delicious :)