Cua is a delicacy renowned for its nutritional value and widely enjoyed. But selecting a quality crab is no easy task. Our guide today will show you how to choose the best crab with just your phone – a sure-fire way to pick a winner!
1 Selecting Crabs with Your Phone’s Flashlight
Selecting Crabs with Your Phone’s Flashlight
For male crabs, use your phone’s flashlight to shine from below onto the crab’s spines. If the spines appear black, this indicates a crab with plentiful meat, roe, and superior quality. Conversely, if the spines lack this black coloration and appear hollow, with only the shell visible, it is best to avoid purchasing this crab.
For female crabs, shine the light from below onto the body of the crab. A black body indicates a crab abundant in meat and roe, free from any softening or decay. If the body appears devoid of this black coloration when illuminated, it suggests that the crab has less meat and roe, with mostly shell, and is therefore of inferior quality.
Note: To further ensure the quality of your purchase, you can also examine the crab’s shell, claws, and gills. The male crab’s shell is oval-shaped and smaller than that of the female. The male’s claws also feature a darker shade in the center, and its apron is triangular, while the female’s is oval.
2 Additional Tips for Buying Quality Crabs
Choose a Reputable Vendor
To ensure you’re getting fresh, high-quality crabs, it’s best to source them from well-known and trusted vendors or from shops you’ve patronized before. These establishments will guarantee the quality of their crabs and also provide additional assurance when selecting your purchase.
Timing Your Purchase
The timing of your purchase is crucial. The end and beginning of the month are ideal for buying crabs as they tend to be meatier and healthier at these times. Mid-month, however, is when crabs tend to molt, resulting in softer, less meaty crabs that are not as tasty.
External Characteristics
When selecting a crab, start by examining its shell. A gentle press on the shell should reveal a firm, resilient texture, indicating a crab with ample roe and meat. Conversely, if the shell feels spongy, the crab is likely of inferior quality, lacking in meat, or possibly even dead.
Regarding the claws, male crabs with darker shells at the center of their claws tend to have more meat. For female crabs, if the claws are covered in green algae, it suggests the crab is not of good eating quality and has less meat.
Color and Shape
Crabs with darker shells are generally of better eating quality, as the shade indicates a similarity in color between the shell and the claws.
Additionally, a quality crab will exhibit a dark brown or reddish hue beneath its claws and abdomen.
Another telltale sign is the crab’s spines. Crabs with ample meat and roe will have longer, sturdier spines. Moreover, the crab must be alive, with its apron firmly attached to its body, to ensure optimal taste.
We hope these tips help you select the perfect crab! Stay tuned for more culinary guides in the future.
