People love to eat crab meat as it is one of the best seafood you can have. In addition, seafood enthusiasts love eating crab claws, legs, and bodies. To some people, the long and creepy spidery legs might seem odd, but for some- it is the extra stuff they want without delay!
Depending upon their size and species, some seafood lovers prefer King Crab legs, while others love Dungeness Crabs. And yes, do not miss the Blue Crab as a treat- because you get their entire bodies to eat!
Let's find some more Crabs you can eat or ask your friends if they have tried any of the same before!
Crabs You Can Eat
1- King Crab
Like the name says, King Crab, this largest crab species, is fished from October to January in regions like Alaska, the Bering Sea, and Norton Sound. It has bright white meat that tastes delicious though it is notoriously difficult to coax out of the spiny shell that is hard actually.
2- Dungeness Crab
Are you looking for juicy, tender, sweet and crisp crab meat?- go for Dungeness Crab as it is marketed around the year, but harvesting starts late fall to late spring.
You can get this crab in regions like Alaska (down the West Coast). However, the surprising element with a whole Dungeness Crab (once heated and cracked) is that it can feed 2 people! Yes, that is true. Simply serve it with butter or dipping sauce, and you have the meal ready for 2 adults!
3- Blue Crab
Blue Crab has delicious salty sweetness, but to get that- all you need is a considerable effort. Because to eat this crab, you must dissect its carcass and remove claws, legs, gills, and other parts before snapping the whole body in half to get the meat!
Between April and December, they are harvested along with the Atlantic Coast, especially the Chesapeake Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. These crabs are usually steamed and served whole.
4- Stone Crab
These Crabs are harvested from October to May in regions like South Florida. The exciting part is that fishermen usually snap off a single claw and leave the crab back in the water so that the crab can regenerate its new claw!
Well, when in-season, you can expect a flaky white delicacy inside its claw!
5- Snow Crab/ Rock Crab
Snow Crab has a sweet taste, and they are fished in the cold months of January till April in North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans.
Snow Crabs are sold in clusters with four walking legs and a claw as it is easy to snap them and eat without any tool!
So, are you thinking of having Snow Crab? But, wait- let the winter come before you think to enjoy them!
6- Peekytoe Crab
Peekytoe Crab, also known as Atlantic rock crab, is another delightful option. This crab is harvested year-round but is most abundant in the summer months. Peekytoe crabs are known for their sweet and delicate meat, making them a favourite among seafood lovers.
7- Horseshoe Crabs
While not commonly eaten, Horseshoe Crabs are sometimes harvested for their roe, which is considered a delicacy in some cultures. They are primarily harvested along the Atlantic coast.
How to Eat Crabs
Crabs can be enjoyed in various ways, depending on the type and your personal preference. From boiling and steaming to grilling and baking, there are numerous methods to prepare and savour this delicious seafood. The key is to ensure that the crab is fresh and properly cooked to bring out its natural flavours.
Boiling or Steaming:
- Fill a large pot with water and add salt or a seasoning blend.
- Bring the water to a boil, then add the crabs.
- Cover the pot and cook for 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of the crabs.
- Remove the crabs and let them cool before handling.
Grilling:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Clean the crabs and remove the gills and apron.
- Brush the crabs with melted butter or oil and season with your preferred spices.
- Place the crabs on the grill, shell-side down.
- Grill for about 10-15 minutes, until the meat is cooked through and opaque.
Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Clean the crabs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with melted butter or oil and season as desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the crabs are cooked through.
Cracking the Shell:
- Use a crab cracker or mallet to break the shell.
- Gently crack the claws and legs to access the meat.
- For the body, remove the top shell and scoop out the meat with a small fork or your fingers.
Removing the Meat:
- From the claws: Crack the claw and pull out the meat using a small fork or pick.
- From the legs: Break each leg at the joints and gently pull out the meat.
- From the body: Remove the gills and scoop out the meat from the chambers.
By following these steps, you can enjoy the full, delicious experience of eating crabs.
When are Crabs in Season?
King Crabs:
Season:
October to January
Regions:
Alaska, Bering Sea, Norton Sound
Notes: King crabs are typically harvested during the colder months when they are more plentiful.
Dungeness Crabs:
Season:
Late fall to late spring
Regions:
West Coast of the United States, particularly Alaska
Notes: Available year-round in markets, but the prime harvesting season is during the cooler months.
Blue Crabs:
Season:
April to December
Regions:
Atlantic Coast, Chesapeake Bay, Gulf of Mexico
Notes: Blue crabs are more abundant and flavorful during the warmer months.
Stone Crabs:
Season:
October to May
Regions:
South Florida
Notes: Only the claws are harvested, and the crabs are returned to the water to regrow new claws.
Snow Crabs:
Season:
January to April
Regions:
North Atlantic, North Pacific Oceans
Notes: Best caught during the cold winter months when they are most active.
Peekytoe Crabs:
Season:
Year-round, but most abundant in summer
Regions:
Atlantic Coast
Notes: Known for their sweet, delicate meat, these crabs are more readily available in the warmer months.
Horseshoe Crabs:
Season:
Spring and early summer
Regions:
Atlantic Coast
Notes: Though not commonly eaten, their roe is harvested and considered a delicacy in some cultures.
By understanding the seasonal availability of these different crab species, you can enjoy the freshest and most flavorful crabs throughout the year. Always check local regulations and availability to ensure you are getting crabs at their peak season.
The Final Words
You can explore other varieties of Crabs such as Soft-Shell Crab, Spider Crab, Horsehair Crab, etc. But again, the list does not end here. And, if reading these makes you feel hungry for fresh seafood- place your order now with SeaFood Direct.
They have years of experience as seafood suppliers and have been in this domain for more than 40 years. So, what are you waiting for?- Call (01472 566000) them and place your order in no time.
You can visit SeaFood Direct's website to see what else they offer as seafood suppliers and the latest offers running at their end.