Fresh-Frozen Large Prawns Shell On

Large prawns left in the shell, raw, their bodies curving from head to tail with long fine antennae sweeping forward. The shells are glassy and semi-transparent, running from a cool blue-grey over the back to a warm tan further down, with dark eyes and banded legs. They are shown three ways: four laid along a pale bamboo board, wet and shining; five on folded kitchen paper on a white plate, a small dish of pale sauce behind; and four on a white plate on a marble counter, one peeled to show the opaque white flesh beneath.

The flesh is firm and sweet and stays that way if they are cooked quickly. Steam or boil them for a few minutes, split them along the back and grill them, or shell them and stir-fry.

• Large, whole and in the shell
• Raw, glassy blue-grey to tan
• Firm, sweet flesh
• Steam, boil, grill or stir-fry

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