Dirty crab refers to blue crabs that have recently molted their shell and have not yet developed a new hardened shell. This causes their shell to appear dull darker and dirtier than a crab with a fully hardened shell.
What Causes a Crab to be Dirty?
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Blue crabs molt their shell periodically as they grow. This process of shedding the old shell is called ecdysis.
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After molting, it takes time for the new shell to fully harden. This leaves the crab vulnerable during this soft-shell stage.
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The new soft shell has a darker, duller, dirtier appearance compared to a blue crab with a hardened shell. This is why they are called “dirty” crabs.
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It takes around 2 to 3 days for a new shell to fully harden and take on the typical blue crab coloration. During this time, the crab is considered a “dirty” crab.
Identifying Features of Dirty Crabs
There are a few key ways to identify a dirty crab
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Shell color: The shell will appear darker and dirtier looking compared to a blue crab with a hardened shell. It lacks the vibrant blue coloring.
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Shell texture: A dirty crab’s shell will feel soft and spongy to the touch. A hardened shell feels tough and rigid.
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Claws: The claws often appear paler than the rest of the shell, lacking the deep blue/black tips.
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Overall appearance: A dirty crab generally looks dull and muddy compared to a bright blue crab.
Why Eat Dirty Crabs?
While their appearance may not be too appetizing, dirty crabs are a delicacy for several reasons:
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Tenderness – The new soft shell is extremely tender and easier to eat compared to a hardened shell. There’s no need to crack and pick the meat out.
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Flavor – The soft shell has a sweeter, more succulent flavor. The taste isn’t compromised by a tough outer shell.
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Texture – The soft, almost crunchy texture is appealing to many crab lovers.
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Availability – Since crabs are constantly molting during summer molting season, dirty crabs are abundantly available.
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Nutrition – Soft-shell crabs are packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals like regular blue crab meat.
How to Cook Dirty Crabs
Some popular preparation methods for dirty crabs include:
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Deep frying – This is a quick and easy way to cook dirty crabs so the entire crab can be eaten. The shell gets deliciously crispy.
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Sautéing – Cooking dirty crabs gently in butter or oil keeps them tender. Popular seasonings include Old Bay, lemon, and garlic.
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Grilling – The smoky flavor from the grill complements the sweetness of the soft shells. Basting with sauce adds flavor.
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Steaming – Many people steam dirty crabs simply with Old Bay seasoning so the delicate flavor shines through.
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Stuffing – The crab shell makes an edible vessel for stuffing with crab imperial or other seafood stuffing mixes.
Availability of Dirty Crabs
The best time to find dirty crabs is during peak blue crab molting season which occurs throughout the summer months. The exact months vary by region, but generally:
- North Carolina: May to August
- Chesapeake Bay: June to September
- Gulf Coast: April to October
Look for dirty crabs at local seafood markets, docks, and straight from crabbers during summer. They are best eaten right away before the shell starts hardening. Frozen soft shells are available year-round but lack the same delicate texture.
So while dirty crabs may not look too pretty, their sweet taste and tender texture make them a treasured seasonal delicacy. Their abundant summer availability and impressive nutrition profile makes them a great choice for seafood lovers. Just be sure to eat them as soon as possible after molting before the shell loses its softness!
How to Crack Crab for Maximum Meat Yield
Cracking crab is an art form, and the goal is to extract as much meat as possible without shattering the shell into tiny pieces. Here’s how to crack crab legs and claws effectively:
- Cut or Crack the Shell: Use kitchen shears or a crab cracker to cut along the length of the leg. Once the shell is open, use your fingers or a small fork to pull the meat out in one piece.
- Use a Small Pick: For smaller legs, you can use a small seafood pick to extract the meat from the chambers.
- Crack the Claw: Place the claw in a crab cracker or between two pieces of cloth and gently crack it open. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can crush the meat inside.
- Pull Out the Meat: Once the shell is cracked, use a fork or your fingers to pull out the claw meat in one piece.
For large, meaty claws like those of the Golden King Crab, visit Global Seafoods.
Why You Need to Clean and Devein Crab
Cleaning and deveining fresh crab is crucial for both hygiene and flavor. Crabs naturally have sand, grit, and other internal matter that you don’t want to eat. By properly cleaning and removing these elements, you ensure that the crab meat is safe to eat and has the best possible texture and taste.
- Hygiene: Removing the internal organs and digestive matter (often referred to as “crab mustard”) reduces the risk of contamination and ensures a cleaner final product.
- Better Taste: Cleaning the crab eliminates any off-flavors from the digestive tract, allowing the natural sweetness of the crab meat to shine.
- Aesthetic: Clean, deveined crab looks more appealing when served, enhancing the overall dining experience.
As Chef Rick Moonen, a seafood expert, once said, “Properly prepared crab is all about letting the natural flavors come through. It’s worth the extra effort to clean it right.” With that in mind, let’s dive into the process.
Dirty crab vs clean crab
FAQ
What is meant by dirty crab?
This means they haven’t molted yet. Crabs lose their shells several times every season. These spots are just natural blemishes from living. These crabs are “uglier” but are actually BETTER as they usually have MORE MEAT.
What kind of crab cannot be eaten?
Xanthidae is a family of crabs known as gorilla crabs, mud crabs, pebble crabs or rubble crabs. Xanthid crabs are often brightly coloured and are highly poisonous, containing toxins which are not destroyed by cooking and for which no antidote is known.
What is a crab in STD slang?
Measuring 1/16 inch (1.6 millimeters) or less, pubic lice received their nickname because their bodies resemble tiny crabs. The most common way to get pubic lice is through sexual activity.
Is it okay to eat crab with barnacles?