Secrets to choosing firm, roe-filled, and creamy sea crabs that not everyone knows
Sea crab is one of the most nutritious seafood types, beneficial for everyone from children to the elderly. Firm meat and thick, fragrant, creamy roe make it a favorite for many. Sea crabs contain minerals and nutrients that effectively help prevent several diseases. Therefore, the higher the quality of the crab, the higher the price.
Choose fresh sea crabs
Select fresh, delicious sea crabs that are still alive, healthy, and feel heavy when picked up. Buying as close to the harvest time as possible ensures the crabs retain high nutritional value, firm meat, and a sweet taste.
Choose based on the apron (abdominal flap)
The apron located under the crab's belly is the basis for choosing a good crab. The apron should be fresh and firm; it shouldn't dent or break when pressed. Choose female crabs with eggs visible at the apron; they are very delicious, full of roe, and have fragrant meat.
An apron that dents deeply with just a light press indicates an "empty" crab (thin meat) or one that is no longer fresh. Additionally, those with darker aprons will be tastier than those with pale yellow ones.
Color of the crab
Choose crabs with dark colors, where the color of the claws and the shell (carapace) are similar. A darker color indicates they have reached harvest maturity; young crabs usually have lighter colors, bland meat, and are not firm.
Based on the spikes on the shell
Old, mature crabs will have hard, large, and uniform spikes. Young ones will have short, small, and easily broken spikes.
Press on the crab's body
Turn the crab upside down, count the legs from 1 to 3, and press on the body area level with the 3rd leg (counting from the bottom up). Crabs with faint white veins will be high-quality and meaty.
Choose crabs with plenty of roe
Flip the crab over and look at the apron to distinguish between males and females. The apron of a female crab is wider than that of a male; if there is hair surrounding the apron, it indicates the crab has spawned many times and the meat is no longer at its best.
Next, gently use your finger to press down on the apron to see the roe inside. If you see bright red roe inside, you should choose that one.
You should also note: Avoid buying crabs near the full moon (mid-lunar month), as during this time crabs often molt, becoming "empty" with less firm meat./.