Autumn is the season for crabs. At this time, crab meat is delicious and nutritious, making it one of the indispensable seafood options. The protein content in crabs is several times higher than that of meats like pork and fish, and it is also rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin A. So, what should you pay attention to when eating crabs? Crabs contain essential amino acids and various trace elements that the body needs. Although crabs have many benefits, middle-aged and elderly people should pay attention to the following details when consuming them.
1. Do not eat raw crabs
Crabs must be thoroughly cooked before eating. After the water comes to a boil, continue to cook them for about 20 to 30 minutes to ensure they are disinfected.
While eating, remember to remove the gills, stomach, intestines, and heart of the crab, as these parts harbor large amounts of viruses, bacteria, and dirt.
2. Dead crabs cannot be eaten
The amino acids in dead crabs break down into other amino acids, which can produce toxic substances harmful to the human body. Even if cooked, these toxins are not easily destroyed. Therefore, do not eat dead crabs.
3. Cannot be eaten with these foods
Note that you should not eat crabs with these foods. Eating persimmons with crabs can cause severe indigestion; drinking tea with crabs can dilute stomach acid, affecting digestion, absorption, and the sterilizing effect of gastric juices, leading to indigestion; eating pears with crabs can severely damage the spleen and stomach, causing indigestion; eating mutton with crabs, as both are highly nourishing foods, can disrupt the function of the spleen and stomach, affecting the body's vital energy.
4. These people should not eat crabs
Patients with diarrhea, stomach problems, fever, or colds should avoid eating crabs. People with high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, and arteriosclerosis should avoid eating crab roe, as it is very high in cholesterol.
Tip
People with a weak or cold spleen and stomach should also eat fewer crabs to avoid symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain. While eating crabs, you can consume some ginger and scallion juice, or add ginger during the steaming process to counteract the crab's "cold" nature.
How to cook crabs deliciously
First, use a brush to clean the crabs thoroughly, then place them in clean water for about half a day to allow them to expel any dirt from their stomachs. Prepare seasonings such as Sichuan peppercorns, scallion sections, ginger chunks, and yellow wine, choosing according to personal taste. Then, place the crabs in a steamer. Add water and a bit of yellow wine to the pot for flavor. Put the crabs in the steamer, then add scallion sections, ginger chunks, and peppercorns on top. Start steaming over high heat. Note: Do not open the lid while the crabs are steaming, as this will affect their flavor. Steam for about 20 minutes.
After steaming, prepare a small dish of dipping sauce (mixed with salt, vinegar, ginger, and light soy sauce in a suitable ratio). Dip the crab into the sauce as you eat. Remember, do not add sesame oil, as it will affect the flavor.