There is an art to eating crab, not in the method of consumption, but in what it is paired with. Remember, crab should not be eaten with the following foods!
Crab and Persimmon
"Persimmons and pears should not be eaten with crab," states from "Yin Zheng Yao Yao". From the perspective of food properties, both persimmon and crab are considered 'cold' in nature. Eating them together can damage the spleen and stomach due to their excessive coldness, a condition that those with a 'cold' constitution should particularly avoid. Persimmons contain tannic acid, and crab meat is rich in protein. When these two meet, they form tannic acid protein, which is difficult to digest. This can cause food to remain in the intestines and ferment, leading to food poisoning symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Crab and Pear
The pear is sweet, slightly sour, and cold in nature. Tao Hongjing's "Ming Yi Bie Lu" states: "The pear is cold and lubricating; excessive consumption harms people, which is why it is commonly called 'fast fruit'." There is a folk belief that eating pears and drinking boiled water can cause diarrhea. Because the pear is cold and lubricating, and crab is also cold and lubricating, eating them together can harm the stomach and intestines.
Crab and Peanut
Peanuts are sweet and neutral in nature, with a fat content as high as 45%. Oily foods, when combined with cold and lubricating foods, can easily lead to diarrhea. Therefore, crab and peanuts should not be eaten at the same time, and those with a weak digestive system should especially avoid it.
Crab and Loach
"The Compendium of Materia Medica" states: "The loach is sweet, neutral, and non-toxic. It can warm the middle, replenish qi, and treat thirst and impotence." This shows its warming and nourishing nature, whereas crab is cold and lubricating, with a function opposite to that of the loach. The reaction between the two is also unfavorable to the body, so they should not be eaten together.
Crab and Melon
The melon, also known as the sweet melon, is sweet, cold, and lubricating in nature, and can clear heat and promote bowel movements. When eaten with crab, it can damage the stomach and intestines and easily lead to diarrhea.
Crab and Iced Beverages
Iced beverages in the summer, such as iced water and ice cream, are considered 'cold' and can lower the temperature of the stomach and intestines. When consumed with crab, they will inevitably cause diarrhea. Therefore, it is not advisable to drink iced water after eating crab.