“As the autumn wind rises, the crab legs start to itch; when the chrysanthemums bloom, the scent of crab comes.” Every year from September to October is the time when crabs are at their most plump with rich roe and fat. Therefore, gourmets say that "eating crab is the grandest affair in autumn."
However, there are still many counterfeit crabs trying to pass themselves off as the real thing in the market. So, savvy cooks need to have a sharp eye to identify a good crab! This article shares some tips for selecting crabs, hoping to be of help to you.
◆ How to choose between male and female crabs?
To distinguish between male and female crabs, look at their abdomens. The male crab's abdomen is triangular, while the female's is round. As for which one is tastier, it depends on the season.
The female crab is at its plumpest from October to November. However, after mid-November, the male crab becomes the better choice. At this time, the male crab's roe is just as abundant as the female's, and it is even more savory, rich, and tender. (To judge if it's full of rich roe, just pinch a crab leg—if it's firm, you'll know.)
◆ How to pick a crab once you have it in your hand →_→
1. Check for age. Those crabs that look very clean with snow-white bellies have recently molted and should be avoided. Try to pick older crabs. Some female crabs may have bellies that look dirty with indelible dark greenish-black marks, but these are often the better ones.
2. Weigh it. A crab should feel heavy. The heavier it feels in your hand, the more meat it has. This is how you pick a plump, meaty, and roe-filled crab.
3. Look at the backside. Observe the crab's backside—the thicker, the better. The larger the gap between the edge of the shell and the abdomen, the fuller the roe.
4. Check the color. A crab with a thick, solid shell will have a distinct, glossy, dark green color. Those with a yellowish shell are often leaner. It's even better if you can find one with "golden fur and golden claws."
5. Look at the abdomen. A protruding abdomen generally means the crab is full of fat and roe, while a sunken one often indicates it is underweight.
6. Check the legs. Sturdy legs with abundant "hair" on them usually mean the crab is old, robust, and well-fleshed. Crabs without hair are often soft and have little meat.
7. Check for vitality. If you flip a crab over and it quickly turns itself back using its legs, it has strong vitality. If it cannot turn back, its vitality is poor, and it won't keep for long. You can also gently poke the eyes of a tied crab to see if it blinks, which indicates it is alive and fresh.
8. Check for responsiveness. Stimulate the crab to observe its reaction. If you touch near its eyes and its eyes move quickly and nimbly, or it "spits white foam," it is still very lively and fresh.
9. Squeeze for firmness. Squeeze the crab's leg. If it feels very soft, it means the crab is empty with little meat, and the roe is unlikely to be full. If the leg is very firm, it means you have a "hardy" crab. Combine this with the three points above, and you will surely pick a crab full of roe and fat!
◆ How to pick authentic Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs?
The above methods are for general crabs. Of course, there are special techniques for picking authentic Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs ↓↓↓
Authentic Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs come with a special anti-counterfeiting tag from the Suzhou Bureau of Quality Supervision. The front of the tag has the National Geographical Indication of Origin Protection logo, and the back is printed with a clear "brand name." You can verify its authenticity via phone, SMS, or website. Also, the sales outlet must be authorized by the industry association.
Feature One: Green Back. The shell of a Yangcheng Lake hairy crab is a cyan-mud color, smooth and glossy. The body is generally thick and solid.
Feature Two: White Belly. The belly of a hairy crab is generally white. If the abdomen protrudes, it is usually full of fat and roe. If it's indented, the crab is often underweight. It should feel heavy in your hand, indicating it is meaty.
Feature Three: Golden Claws. The crab's claws are a golden yellow color, similar to high-grade pipe tobacco, hence the name "Golden Claw Crab." Ordinary crabs, often in contact with mud, are typically grayish-brown.
Feature Four: Golden Hair. The fine hair on the claws and legs of a Yangcheng Lake hairy crab is golden yellow and can be 3-4 cm long. Ordinary crabs not only have grayish-brown claws but also shorter hair.