Swimming crabs , sometimes commonly known as "white crabs," are found in many places in China. The waters near the Zhoushan Islands are the main production area for swimming crabs in China, and they are generally fattest from August to November.
When are the swimming crabs in Zhoushan at their fattest?
The best time for Zhoushan swimming crabs is generally from August to November each year, which is autumn. During this period, Zhoushan swimming crabs are at their fattest, with individual crabs reaching a body width of 100-130 mm and a weight of 250-500 grams. Among them, female crabs are fattest in September, while male crabs are fattest in October.
Female crabs have more roe in September, while male crabs have less roe and gelatinous substance, making the females more plump and delicious. From October onwards, male crabs have more roe and gelatinous substance, while female crabs have less roe and meat, making the males the most plump and delicious. Therefore, you can choose the appropriate Zhoushan swimming crab based on the month.
How to choose swimming crabs from Zhoushan?
1. Check the appearance
The shell of the swimming crab from Zhoushan is bluish-green, and its abdomen should be white. If the back of the swimming crab is reddish or yellowish and curls up, it means that the crab roe or crab paste inside is very plentiful and plump. This kind of swimming crab is very suitable for making salted crab.
2. Weigh it
High-quality, large Zhoushan swimming crabs are generally quite heavy, feeling substantial when held. Empty shell crabs, on the other hand, will feel light and airy. Between two swimming crabs of similar size, the heavier one will have more meat and taste better.
3. Squeeze to check hardness
Pinch the legs of a blue crab. If they are very soft, it means the crab is hollow, not tasty, and has little meat, and likely little crab roe or crab fat. If the legs are very firm, it means the crab has a lot of meat. The wider the separation between the crab's small legs and shell, the fatter the crab.
