Crabs are a delicacy and can be quite expensive, so consumers need to know how to choose the right type of crab that suits their taste and the dish they want to prepare. It is essential to know how to distinguish between male and female crabs to avoid any confusion when purchasing.
How to Tell the Difference Between Male and Female Crabs
By observing a few key characteristics, you can easily differentiate between male and female crabs.
Examine the Apron
Looking at the apron, or the belly flap, is the quickest and easiest way to tell the sex of a crab. Male crabs have a smaller, sharper, and narrower triangular apron. Female crabs have a larger and rounder apron, often oval-shaped, as it serves to protect their eggs during spawning. During the spawning season, the female crab’s apron will swell due to the abundance of eggs it carries.
To distinguish between male and female crabs, look at the apron. The female crab’s apron is larger and rounder. (Photo: Min)
If you’re looking for a crab with a lot of roe, choose a female crab with a larger apron. Gently squeeze this part, and it should feel firm. Additionally, female crabs with a high roe count often have slightly yellow and shiny shells.
Observe the Claws
Another way to differentiate between the sexes is by looking at their claws. Male crabs have larger, longer, and stronger claws with more intense coloring. This is because they use their claws for territorial defense.
Female crabs have smaller and paler-colored claws compared to their male counterparts.
Differences in Body Size
This is one of the most apparent signs to tell male and female crabs apart. Male crabs tend to have larger and longer bodies and legs, especially during the mating season.
Female crabs are generally smaller in overall size but have rounder bodies. They also tend to have a lighter brown coloration compared to male crabs.
Reproductive Organs
The male crab’s reproductive organs are located on the underside of the chest, right behind the legs. In contrast, female crabs’ reproductive organs are situated in the abdomen, near the base of the tail.
Which is More Nutritious: Male or Female Crab?
Both male and female crabs are nutritious and packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals beneficial to our health. However, female crabs contain more roe, resulting in a higher fat content. This makes them ideal for those looking for an energy boost or a richer, more indulgent taste.
Male crabs, on the other hand, are perfect for those who prefer firmer meat with less fat and a lighter flavor that doesn’t overwhelm the palate.
Tips for Choosing the Best Crab
A good crab will have a hard, resilient shell that doesn’t dent when pressed. (Photo: World-link)
– Examine the apron: Choose a crab with an apron that fits snugly against the body, with no gaps. This indicates that the crab is healthy and meaty.
– Check the legs: A good crab will have sturdy legs that are not loose or falling off. The legs should be flexible and not flaccid.
– Squeeze the shell: Press on the shell gently. A good crab will have a hard shell that bounces back and doesn’t dent easily.
– Inspect the underside: The underside of a fresh crab should be bright and free of dark spots or bruises.
Notes on Crab Preparation
Freshness is key to achieving the best flavor in crab dishes. It is recommended to cook crabs as soon as possible after purchase to ensure optimal freshness. If you can’t cook them right away, store them in the refrigerator, but not for too long.
Before cooking, clean the mud and dirt from the shell and legs. A small brush can be useful for cleaning the crevices of the legs.
When boiling crabs, add them to cold water with a few slices of ginger to neutralize the fishy smell. Once the water boils, reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the crab.
According to VTC News
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