Crab

What Is Crab?

Crab is a shellfish from the arthropod class, known for its hard exoskeleton and claws. One of the most commonly consumed species along Turkey's coasts is the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus); it is caught abundantly in the Aegean and Mediterranean.

Its flesh is sweetish, fibrous and white in color; the meat in its claws has a slightly more intense flavor than that in its body. It must first be boiled and then picked from its hard shell before eating.

Nutritional Values of Crab

Crab meat is a low-fat, high-protein seafood; 100 grams contains about 87 kcal of energy, 18.1 g protein and 1.1 g fat.

What Are the Benefits of Crab?

With its high-quality protein and low fat ratio, crab meat offers a light option among seafood as part of a balanced diet.

This information is general; crab is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Crab?

Fresh crab should be bought alive; liveliness and activity are the clearest indicators of freshness.

• It should be alive and active; a motionless-sluggish crab should be avoided.
• It should feel heavy when held; lightness may indicate it is empty inside.
• The shell should be sound and crack-free.

How to Store Crab?

Live crab can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with a damp cloth, for at most 1 day. Boiled crab meat can be stored in the refrigerator for 1–2 days, or in the freezer for 2–3 months.

Using Crab in the Kitchen

Crab is first boiled in salted water, then the meat picked from the shell is used in salads, mezze, dolma and pasta sauces.

How to Boil Crab?

Live crabs are dropped into boiling salted water and boiled for 8–15 minutes depending on size; once the shell turns a reddish-pink color, it is cooked. Cooling it quickly in cold water after boiling makes the meat easier to pick.

How to Pick Crab Meat from the Shell?

The belly flap and top shell of the boiled crab are removed, the claws are cracked with a mallet to remove the meat, and the meat in the body compartments is picked out with a thin fork or a special tool.

Which Recipes Use Crab?

Crab salad, crab pasta and stuffed crab are among the most beloved recipes. Simple serving with lemon and olive oil is also common.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is crab good for?

Crab meat is one of the seafoods that stands out as part of a balanced diet with its high-quality protein and low fat ratio. It is a food; it does not claim to treat any disease.

How long should crab be boiled?

While it varies by size, boiling in salted water for 8–15 minutes is enough.

Is blue crab edible?

Yes, blue crab is a species widely consumed along Turkey's coasts and its exports have increased in recent years; its meat is eaten by boiling and picking, like other crab species.

Is there a crab allergy?

Shellfish are among the well-known common allergens; people with a shellfish allergy are advised to consult a specialist before eating crab.

Can crab be frozen?

Yes, boiled and picked crab meat can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for 2–3 months.