Should you remove the black bit on a prawn before cooking?

Here's why:

* It's the digestive tract: The black vein is the prawn's digestive tract, called the intestinal tract.

* It can be gritty: The intestinal tract contains sand and grit that the prawn has ingested, which can be unpleasant to eat.

* It can be bitter: The vein can also have a slightly bitter taste.

How to remove the vein:

* Use a sharp knife: Gently insert the tip of a sharp knife under the vein and pull it out.

* Use your fingers: If the vein is loose, you can easily pull it out with your fingers.

Important Note: You don't need to remove the vein if you're cooking the prawns whole (like in a curry) as the heat will render it harmless. However, most people prefer to remove it for aesthetic and taste reasons.