1 Best Time to Buy Sea Crabs
The beginning or end of the month is the perfect time to buy sea crabs if you want to get the tastiest ones. This is because, during the middle of the month, crabs are in their molting phase, and they tend to fast, resulting in less meat and a skinnier appearance.
Best time to buy sea crabs
2 Identifying Different Types of Sea Crabs
Many crab buyers are easily deceived by sellers because they lack knowledge about the appearance of Cà Mau sea crabs. Thus, it is crucial to learn how to distinguish the various types of Cà Mau sea crabs to avoid being tricked into buying inferior ones.
There are three types of Cà Mau sea crabs: meat crabs (including Y-crabs, Square-bib crabs, and Xô-crabs), Cốm crabs (2-shell crabs), and Brick crabs. Each type has distinct characteristics:
– Y-crabs always have large pincers and a beautiful shape, with a long Y-shaped bib. The largest ones can weigh over 700 grams, and their meat is firm and sweet.
– Cốm crabs have thin shells, and their bodies have a pinkish hue. Looking inside their bib, you’ll see reddish-pink hair, and they have a lot of brick-colored roe.
– Brick crabs have an extremely large bib, resembling a trapezoid shape.
3 Distinguishing Real Crabs from Fake Ones
First, examine the crab’s appearance. Genuine Cà Mau crabs are usually darker and firmer in texture compared to fake or industrially farmed crabs, which tend to be white or greenish in color.
Next, take a look at the silky layer on the crab’s pincers. If it has a bright pink or dark pink hue, it’s a good sign, as these crabs tend to have more meat. Moreover, if this layer is smooth and shiny, it indicates that the crab is fatty and fresh. On the other hand, if it’s wrinkled, the crab is probably old, and you should avoid buying it.
Use your thumb to press on the third segment (out of five) of the abdomen, located on both sides of the bib. If it feels firm, the crab has plenty of meat. Otherwise, it has less meat, and the bib will feel softer.
When selecting a crab, observe the movement of its legs and pincers. If the bib is firmly attached to the body, and the crab moves its legs and pincers swiftly, it’s a good sign. Additionally, if the spikes on the pincers and the shell are still sharp and intact, it indicates that the crab is healthy and will be easier to preserve after purchase.
4 Be Wary of Cheap Crabs
Be cautious when the price offered by the seller seems too good to be true. Sellers of fake crabs often lure customers by offering surprisingly low prices to attract more buyers and encourage impulse purchases. Additionally, some sellers use heavy ropes to tie the crabs, making the overall package heavier.
We hope that this article has provided you with valuable insights to help you identify genuine Cà Mau crabs and choose the tastiest ones. By being informed, you can avoid regrettable purchases and enjoy your crab feasts without worry!
