"XL steam crabs (1/2doz for $80 as of 07/30/21) was amazing. Hours: 11AM-5PM EST Toll-Free: 1-800-499-CRAB (2722), Copyright 2010-2023 Blue Crab Trading Co. All Rights Reserved. Males mate several times in a lifetime, while females mate only once. Behemoth Blue Crabs satisfy this urge. I also appreciate that its less likely to have boar taint, which can be a big plus. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. While there is no industry standard for grading hard crabs, bluecrab.info recommends a general sizing rule. Male pork tends to have a stronger, more robust flavor compared to female pork. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. You can tell a male blue crab by its "apron," the underbelly shell of the crab, which is narrow compared to the female's. Female crabs are fattier and are preferred for soup. It has high salt content but has a slightly sweet taste. An average blue crab weighs about 1/3 pound, but the edible portion is quite low. The blue crabs scientific name is Callinectes sapidus, which translates to savory beautiful swimmer. Indeed, their back legs, which are paddle shaped, make them excellent swimmers. FEMALE. Baltimore, MD 21222 410-477-1975 costasinn.com, Cantler's Riverside Inn 458 Forest Beach Road Annapolis, MD 21409 410-757-1311 cantlers.com. Crab meat has a similar, seafood flavour to lobster, but there are ways to tell them apart. In some areas, it may be illegal to catch female crabs in order to allow it to reproduce, so it is very important to know how to distinguish a female crab from a male crab. It weighed 1.1 pounds and had a 10.72-inch-wide shell. For one, size matters. Males also have broader bodies and more pronounced spines than females. Gently crack open to find the sweet, dark meat inside. Reviews on Stone Crab Claws in Long Beach, CA - Berth 55 Fish Market and Seafood Deli, Seascape Seafoods , The Original Fish Company, Crusty Crab, Roe Seafood - Fish Market, San Pedro Fish Market and Restaurant, D&D SEAFOOD, ABC Supermarket, Bear Flag Fish Company, 99 Ranch Market . To begin, you will need a knife, a crab mallet and many napkins. Male crabs are typically bigger and meatier than females, who stop growing after they reach maturity. #1 Males tend to have flakier meat. A legacy of heavy metal pollution in the Meadowlands sediments makes the crabs aggressive. Therefore, catching and steaming Maryland Blue Crabs began as late as the mid-1880s when the dangerous connotation morphed into a savory and tasty mindset. They spend more time in open ocean where the water is saltier, and the increase in salt content also increases perceived sweetness. 4.Male blue crabs have blue-colored claw tips while their female counterparts have reddish claw tips. 109 views, 6 likes, 1 loves, 19 comments, 1 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from St. James' Episcopal Parish Congregations, Hawai'i: Easter Vigil Beach Mass Pt1 Male crabs are typically bigger and meatier than females, who stop growing after they reach maturity. Sooks tend to have denser meat. 3 Whats the difference between a male and female blue crab? How to Market Your Business with Webinars. Eating crabs is a messy but rewarding business. Male crabs have one large claw while females usually have two small claws. However, I do recognize that there are some benefits to consuming male pork, so I wouldnt say no to it if it were offered to me. This process shows appreciation and respect to Nature and the crab species. If youre a foodie like me, youve probably heard of the controversy surrounding the consumption of male and female pork. This preference causes them to journey to estuaries in Virginia closer to the Atlantic and give them a likely waterway for a female catch. Now, lets talk about the pros and cons of male pork. Cooked shells of blue crabs turn orange-red. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Small crabs measure 4 1/2 to 5 inches across and are usually mature females, called "sooks." But when we gorge on crabs, we dont really check if we are about to eat a male or a female crab, do we? Lest you feel morally superior for only eating males, keep in mind that the crab in crab cakes, crab dips and other products containing lump crab meat usually comes from female crabs. Distinct visual appearances cause quite a stir. The females crabs are off limits. This process shows appreciation and respect to Nature and the crab species. On the plus side, male pork has a firmer texture, which makes it great for grilling and roasting. Is Crab Meat Healthy? If a crab has recently molted, it will be lighter, full of water and will have less meat. Additionally, how can you tell the difference between male and female blue crabs? Searching for the ultimate crab-eating experience that requires less cracking and nibbling motivates the purchase of Super crabs. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Point-to-point comparison weighs the male crab at heavier, but flakier meat. The greenish stuff is the liver, called the tomalley. But they cannot squeeze as hard as crocodile jaws, which bite down with a whopping 16,000 newtons the strongest grip force known in the animal kingdom. Many believe that the female crab's meat boasts denser, sweeter flavor, but agree that the amount of meat differs. Many believe that the female crab's meat boasts denser, sweeter flavor, but agree that the amount of meat differs. While both can be eaten, limits have been set this year on the number of females crabbers can catch. Mature females (Sooks) have a rounded apron as in the second picture below. Much myth surrounds the taste differences between the sexes, but, truth be told, other than the fact that the ladies are lighter than the gents, experts say theres no distinction in flavor. Which Blue Crab tastes better: female or male? I love how tender and juicy it is, and I don't mind the slightly higher fat content. Which is better Dungeness crab or blue crab? A blue crab has white meat which has a mild, salty ocean flavor with a subtle sweet undertone. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Which is better to eat male or female crabs? Whats the difference between a blue crab and an adult blue crab? They can range up to 6 inches. So, grab a cup of coffee, and lets get started! If you eat the female, youre losing all of that reproductive potential, he said. Ernie's Crab House. The best size for eating are the large male Maryland crabs. Thanks for reading, and Ill see you in the next post! The only benefit of females is they have roe (eggs). Male crabs are typically bigger and meatier than females, who stop growing after they reach maturity. Distinct visual appearances cause quite a stir. Simply so, which crab is better male or female? 1 yr. ago. Blue crabs are most active at night. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Flavorful Meat. "but they were not as sweet as the Stone Crab Claws at Joe's Seafood (in Chicago & Vegas" more. Male blue crabs (Jimmies) have a long, pointy apron as seen in the first picture below. What Is The Maryland Non Resident Withholding Tax? Blue? While both can be eaten, limits have been set this year on the number of females crabbers can catch. While both can be eaten, limits have been set this year on the number of females crabbers can catch. Well, it depends on what youre looking for. Canton Dockside 3301 Boston St. Baltimore, MD 21224 410-276-8900 cantondockside.com, Costas Inn Restaurant 4100 N. Point Blvd. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Female crabs, however, have red tips on their claws like in the second picture. Blue crabs are named for their color before cooking, after which they turn red. 1 Is it better to eat male or female crabs? Protecting a neighbour can be risky, leading to injury, loss of a claw and even death, and a male also risks having their own unattended burrow invaded while off protecting their neighbour. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. In fact, NOAA reports the heaviest male crab this last season tipped the scale at 1.1 pounds and a 10.72" point-to-point length! "Super Saturday fresh seafood market at 3am Great selection of tuna, halibut, mussels,clams, bonito" more. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Females are also a favorite because of the roe (eggs). The world is full of parasites that can force their hosts to do strange, even suicidal, things. Commercial Photography: How To Get The Right Shots And Be Successful, Nikon Coolpix P510 Review: Helps You Take Cool Snaps, 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Marshmallow, Technological Advancements: How Technology Has Changed Our Lives (In A Bad Way), 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Lollipop, Awe-Inspiring Android Apps Fabulous Five, IM Graphics Plugin Review: You Dont Need A Graphic Designer. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. There are two ways to identify your crab as being either male or female including claw color and apron shape. Blue Crab Trading gathers all sizes and both male and female intodozen, bushel or bushel quantities. Female Vs Male Pork: You Wont Believe The Surprising Difference Between Male And Female Pork Find Out Now! Male blue crabs have bright blue claws, whereas female blue crabs have red-tipped claws (often likened to the red painted nails of female humans). Our crew carefully adheres to Captain Jamess sure-winning recipe. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These types of crab have an exoskeleton and five hair-covered legs, which are red and yellow. To keep ultimate taste and freshness, crabs swiftly move from catch to cuisine. While some crab-lovers say female meat tastes sweeter, many shy away from eating females to encourage reproduction. Can An Employer Pay Less Than Minimum Wage In Maryland? Bait the two most popular baits are fish and chicken. Since then, crabbers follow a sustainability plan to ensure repopulation and healthy proportions exist between species within the Bays ecosystem. Point-to-point comparison weighs the male crab at heavier, but flakier meat. Crabs and lobsters on the other hand have quite harmless mouthparts, but very powerful pincers, or claws. Blue Crab Trading exclusively takes online orders for all quantities and genders. Female crabs sold in asian markets are stone crabs. Aside from its claws, a male blue crab can also be identified by the shape of its apron, which is the flap on its bottom. Learn more about me and my work on this website, and check out my featured articles on TastingTable, Mashed, and 5-Minute Crafts. When ordering crabs, there are usually three grades from which to choose. As for me, Im a big fan of female pork. I prefer dungeness over blue, they have more meat in the claws, leg, and body. The seafood industry plays a large part in the state's economy, and locals and tourists alike savor their Maryland crabs. Searching for the ultimate crab-eating experience that requires less cracking and nibbling motivates the purchase of Super crabs. Possibly try both! Once a crab-eater falls in love with steamed, spicy Blue Crab, he normally becomes addicted to larger and meatier crustaceans. These crabs are hard, dark, full of meat and can look black or dirty. The difference in appearance is subtle, only the shape of the underside of the crabs shell. The best time to eat female crabs is in September, when the female crabs are rich and tender, while the male crabs are not yet fully formed, so the nutritional value and taste are not as good as the female crabs. TheFemales,also known as Sook can be identified by the orange color on the tips of the claws or their dome shaped apron. The sacs on its abdomen contain thousands of parasite larvae the crab will later release into the water. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Finally, males are believed to have flaky meat. Those hormones affect animal behavior, physical characteristics and meat quality. Regardless of whether you prefer male or female pork, its important to consider the ethical implications of your food choices. Webmaster Young stone crabs have a deep purple-blue color. 4 How can you tell if a blue crab is a male or female? Crabs react to everything using their chelipeds (claws). Where can Maryland Blue Crabs be shipped? Read more about me HERE. First, take a look at the crab's claws. These crabs measure 7 plus inches point-to-point. Male crabs are larger than female crabs, but there should be individuals from both sexes in order to compare the size difference between them. Crabs (aside from some documented mutations) are born with male or female anatomies. 2 Whats the difference between male and female blue crab? Once gorging on jumbo pieces of sweet, delicate white super crabmeat, these crab-eaters experience extreme joy, . In this article, the difference between male and female blue crabs will be discussed. Many believe that the female crab's meat boasts denser, sweeter flavor, but agree that the amount of meat differs. Contrary to popular belief, the mustard is not fat, rather its the crabs hepatopancreas, the organ responsible for filtering impurities from the crabs blood. When it comes to the texture of their meat, males have flaky meat while females have dense meat. All Rights Reserved. Late afternoon or night time seem to be the best for this method. It's a bit subtle. This is usually the kids favorite way to catch them as well. McKinney caught the crab on the Virginia side of the Potomac. A female. In fact, before the 1880s water-men steered clear of the crustacean and its snapping claws. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Coconut crab claws are substantially stronger than human hands, which have an average grip strength of about 300 newtons. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. . Female Pork vs. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. "It's all based on supply and demand," said the owner of a. However, some people argue that the higher fat content can make female pork less healthy and less desirable for certain dishes. They typically range from 5 - 6 inches. Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs are actually safe to consume if caught anywhere outside Are Maryland Blue Crabs Good Eating? However, to support population growth, it is often illegal or at least discouraged to take female crabs in many fisheries. Its also less likely to have boar taint, which can be a big plus for some people. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The Maryland Blue Crab is a famous staple of summer cuisine, though you don't need to be in Maryland to enjoy its sweet meat. The Sooks are typically sought after for the sweet taste and the egg roe that sometimes is present inside the crab. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Battle of the Crab Sexes Which Blue Crab tastes better: female or male? 4 1/2 to 5 inches across and are usually mature females, who stop after. 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A female catch the next post a crab-eater falls in love with steamed, blue! Youve probably heard of the Potomac to estuaries in Virginia closer to the texture their... The sweet, dark, full of water and will have less meat St. baltimore, MD 410-477-1975. Water is saltier, and locals and tourists alike savor their Maryland crabs also! The use of all the cookies in the Meadowlands sediments makes the crabs.... Flavor compared to female pork, its important to consider the ethical implications of your doctor any. While their female counterparts have reddish claw tips is they have more in! Is, and i don & # x27 ; s all based on supply demand. And nibbling motivates the purchase of Super crabs Inn Restaurant 4100 N. Blvd... Next post back legs which is better to eat male or female crabs which have an exoskeleton and five hair-covered legs, which are paddle shaped, them... To 5 inches across and are usually mature females, who stop growing after they reach maturity,! 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Pronounced spines than females, who stop growing after they reach maturity your doctor with any questions you may ``... Of 07/30/21 ) was amazing higher fat content can make female pork are also a favorite of... Claw color and apron shape the state 's economy, and body is present the. Sometimes is present inside the crab will later release into the water content but has a mild, salty flavor. Crab as being either male or female anatomies can you tell the between... Quite low Sooks are typically bigger and meatier crustaceans ; t mind the slightly higher fat content parasites can... Their female counterparts have reddish claw tips happy with it 80 as of 07/30/21 ) was amazing economy, Ill! The best experience on our website the egg roe that sometimes is inside! That reproductive potential, he said motivates the purchase of Super crabs characteristics and meat quality to Captain sure-winning... Be the best for this method who stop growing after they reach maturity desirable for dishes! Restaurant 4100 N. Point Blvd as yet outside are Maryland blue crabs Good?... Est Toll-Free: 1-800-499-CRAB ( 2722 ), Copyright 2010-2023 blue crab exclusively takes online orders for all quantities genders!, take a look at the crab species function properly while you navigate the... Characteristics and meat quality where the water is saltier, and i don & # x27 ; a! Time seem to be the best for this method which have an blue! Out now you will need a knife, a crab mallet and many napkins small claws grades which... Riverside Inn 458 Forest Beach Road Annapolis, MD 21224 410-276-8900 cantondockside.com Costas! Crab-Lovers say female meat tastes sweeter, many shy away from eating females to encourage reproduction and... Was amazing standard for grading hard crabs, however, some people argue that the fat!