While many people enjoy eating seafood, especially crab, not everyone knows how to distinguish between male and female crabs and which tastes better. There are actually quite noticeable differences in the flavor profiles of male and female crabs, catering to different preferences.
How to Tell the Difference Between Male and Female Crabs
To choose the type of crab that suits your taste and cooking purposes, it’s essential to know how to differentiate between the two, so you don’t get them mixed up.
Examine the Apron
The apron, or the flap on the crab’s belly, is the most distinct feature for telling male and female crabs apart, even for those with little experience.
Checking the apron is the easiest way to tell male and female crabs apart. (Photo: Cwppra.wordpress)
Male crabs have a small, slender, and tapered apron, often forming a distinct V-shape. This apron is close-fitting to the body, giving the crab a sleek and balanced appearance. This structure is characteristic of male crabs and enables them to move with agility in the water.
In contrast, female crabs have a much larger and broader apron, which is oval or nearly circular. The female crab’s apron is not only bigger but also thicker and more prominent as it houses the eggs. When a female crab is carrying eggs, the apron often appears swollen, and you can sometimes see the orange-yellow egg masses underneath.
Observing the apron not only helps you accurately distinguish between the sexes but also allows you to assess the crab’s quality and freshness. A crab with a firmly attached and intact apron is usually fresher and healthier. For female crabs, a rounder apron with a swollen appearance indicates the presence of eggs.
Observe the Color
You can also easily differentiate between male and female crabs based on their shell color.
Male crabs typically display brighter colors, and the patterns on their shells are more distinct and crisp. The male crab’s shell often features bold lines and deep colors, making them visually appealing. On the other hand, female crabs tend to have lighter-colored shells, especially during the breeding season, possibly due to allocating more energy towards egg production, resulting in duller and less vibrant shells compared to their male counterparts.
Notably, if you pay close attention, you’ll notice that the apron of a female crab carrying eggs will be darker, sometimes with a hint of yellow or orange. This coloration isn’t just a sign of the difference between the sexes but also an indicator of their health and breeding cycle.
Size and Meat Texture
Male crabs are generally larger, with longer and sturdier legs and claws. Their meat is usually more abundant and firmer, making them ideal for steamed or grilled dishes.
How to tell male and female crabs apart: Based on size and color (Photo: Thổ địa Vũng Tàu)
Female crabs, on the other hand, are smaller and softer but are favored by many due to their rich roe and eggs, which are perfect for making soups or tangy tamarind sauces.
When is the Best Time to Buy Crabs?
The time of purchase also matters when it comes to crab quality. Female crabs are typically in higher demand and sold more during their breeding season, which lasts from March to September. During this period, they have fuller roe and eggs, their shells are brighter, and their flavor is richer and more savory when cooked.
Male crabs, on the other hand, offer consistent meat quality throughout the year, unaffected by the breeding cycle. You can easily opt for male crabs at any time and still be assured of the dish’s quality.
If we consider the lunar cycle, it’s best to avoid buying crabs around the full moon. Crabs tend to molt or reproduce during this time, leading to softer and blander meat.
According to VTC News
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