The word shrimp comes from the Middle English, "shrimpe," meaning "pygmy." While shrimp may be small, they are anything but shrimp-y in their nutrition profile. Low in calories and saturated fat, shrimp are a wonderfully nutritious alternative to meat proteins. Shrimp also offer beneficial doses of omega-3 fatty acids, which improve heart health, offer protection against Alzheimer's and may improve mood and reduce depression. Shrimp also provides great sources of vitamins and minerals including vitamin B12, niacin, iron, selenium, zinc and copper.

At the market: Shrimp are available fresh or frozen, and cooked and uncooked. When buying uncooked, fresh shrimp avoid shells with black spots or ones that appear yellow or gritty. Shrimp will smell a little fishy, but a strong ammonia odor is not good.

Unless you live in the part of the country where you can actually buy "fresh" shrimp, it is best to buy frozen shrimp. Uncooked, frozen shrimp are often available with shells spilt and de-veined. This saves prep time and is convenient. Look for a "best by" date on the package and don't purchase "expired" packages. Shrimp should be loose in the package—avoid a frozen block feel. This is a sign the package thawed and was re-frozen.

Whichever you choose—fresh or frozen, shrimp come in a variety of sizes and they are priced accordingly. As a rule, the fewer the number of shrimp in a pound (which is reflected with the numbers on the packaging), the more expensive. Bigger is not always best, however, when you're cooking shrimp. Here are a few guidelines to selecting the right size shrimp for your family meals or parties:

Adult only and special occasions
10 shrimp or less = Colossal or sometimes called prawns
11 to 15 = Jumbo

Great for grilling, pan frying, and shrimp cocktail
16 to 20 = Extra-large
21 to 30 = Large

Perfect for sauces, pasta dishes, and stir fries
31 to 35 = Medium

Good for salads, soups and adding to dips
36 to 45 = Small
over 100 = miniature

STORAGE

Fresh
Fresh shrimp is highly perishable, refrigerate on the bottom shelf, which is the coolest area of the fridge until ready to use. Fresh shrimp should be eaten within 24 hours of purchase.

Frozen
Use frozen shrimp within 6 months of purchase or before the "best by" date on the package. Follow package instructions to defrost shrimp.

PREPARATION
Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery. The key to cooking shrimp, regardless of method, is to cook them quickly. Medium shrimp only take about 2 minutes to cook; larger shrimp take 3 to 5 minutes. When they're pink, they are done.
Here are some creative and simple ideas to include shrimp into your family meals:

Shrimp on the Barbie
Grilled shrimp could not be easier or quicker to prepare. Threading shrimp on bamboo skewers makes them easy to turn over. Peel, de-vein, and rinse the shrimp. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, thread on skewers and cook about 1-2 minutes on each side. Just before removing from the grill, baste the shrimp with a sauce such as:

Barbeque Sauce
Teriyaki Glaze
Italian Salad Dressing
Thai Peanut Sauce
Garlic Butter

Southwestern Shrimp Cocktail
If you need to bring a simple appetizer to a pot luck dinner. Defrost a bag of medium or large cooked shrimp, arrange them on a platter and serve with salsa for dipping.

"Sketti & Shrimp"
Make a quick, easy and healthy pasta dish by adding cooked shrimp to pasta sauce and serve over angel hair pasta. They'll be begging for second helpings!

Taste of the Tropics
Shrimp and Mango are a natural flavor combination. For a refreshing lunch or light dinner, simply toss diced mango with cooked shrimp and this tropical coconut dressing (whisk the ingredients together before tossing):

1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
2 tbsp. chopped cilantro
1-inch minced fresh ginger
1 tsp. minced garlic clove
1/2 tsp. sea salt
2 tbsp. fresh lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil

Time Saver Tip: Frozen cooked shrimp are good for more than shrimp cocktail or cold salads. They can be warmed up and used in hot meals. This can save you time in the kitchen. Defrost cooked shrimp according to the package directions. A couple minutes before a dish is taken off the stove, add shrimp and let them warm through. This works for:

Soups
Fried Rice
Pasta
Stir Fries

Restaurant-Style Scampi
Shrimp scampi is a very popular Italian dish containing a few basic, fresh ingredients that blend together in delicious harmony. Scampi in restaurants can carry a heft price tag. Making it at home is very affordable—this recipe uses medium-sized shrimp, which are often on sale too.

Ingredients:
1 lb. medium shrimp, shelled and de-veined
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 cup dry white wine
1 tbsp. fresh or 1 tsp. dried Italian herb blend
2 tsp. corn starch
1 tsp. cold water

Directions: Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over med-high heat. Add garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds. Add shrimp. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add wine and herbs, and cook for 1 minute. Mix water and corn starch together and add to the juice in the pan while stirring. Once the sauce has thickened the dish is done. Serve hot over pasta or brown rice.

Kid-Friendly Treat: Crispy Coconutty Shrimp
The tropical sweetness of coconut combined with shrimp is a true winner. Served in many restaurants, coconut shrimp are often deep fried arriving at your table dripping with unhealthy amounts of fat. This variation uses less oil, delivers a crispy texture and restaurant quality flavor!

Make it fun and get your kids involved in the prep. In this recipe, you'll set up three dipping stations—the dredge, the liquid and the crunch. The dipping steps are perfect tasks for little fingers (and your fingers will stay clean for cooking). Plus their, "I helped Mom make dinner" pride will likely win over even the pickiest eater.

Ingredients:
12-15 large shrimp, shelled and de-veined
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup coconut milk
3/4 cup panko crumbs*
3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut**
1/4 cup vegetable oil
sweet and sour sauce for dipping

* Panko crumbs are Japanese bread crumbs. They are often stocked in the Asian section of your supermarket.
** Unsweetened coconut is stocked in the bulk section of a natural foods store.

Directions:
Step 1: Set up the dipping station with three wide flat bowls. Place the corn starch and salt in first bowl and mix with a fork. Pour the coconut milk in the second bowl. Toss together the panko and coconut in the third bowl.

Step 2: Dredge the shrimp on both sides in the cornstarch. Then, dip them into coconut milk and then coat them in the panko/coconut mixture, pressing lightly.

Step 3: Bring the oil to temperature in a large skillet over medium high heat. Fry shrimp until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on a paper-towel lined platter. Serve with dipping sauce.

Dipping Sauce: Store bought sweet and sour sauce is perfect for this dish. If your kids would like a more familiar flavor, mix together equal parts ketchup and sweet and sour sauce.

Makes 4 servings.

Cheryl Tallman is the co-founder of Fresh Baby ( www.FreshBaby.com), and of the award-winning So Easy Baby Food Kit and Good Clean Fun Placemats, available at many fine specialty stores and national chains including BabiesRUs.com, Target.com and Whole Foods Markets. Visit Cheryl online at www.FreshBaby.com for more delicious tips.