Crabbing Season is Here: How to Choose and Cook the Best Maryland Blue Crabs
It's that time of year again—crabbing season is in full swing, and you know what that means! Time to gather the fam and friends for a good old-fashioned crab feast. There’s nothing like the taste of fresh Maryland Blue Crabs, straight from the Chesapeake Bay, and we’re here to make sure you get the best of the best. Let’s talk about how to pick the perfect crabs and some fun facts about these tasty crustaceans!
Picking the Perfect Blue Crabs
When you're on the hunt for some good crabs, you gotta know what to look for:
They Gotta Be Lively: The best crabs are the ones that are active and kicking. If they're moving, they're fresh. A crab that's too chill might not be at its best.
Check the Shell: You want those shells hard as a rock. Hard-shell crabs are packed with meat. If they’re too soft, they just shed their old shell and won’t have as much meat inside.
Peek at the Belly: The underside, or "apron," tells a story. Males have a T-shaped apron, while the ladies have a wider, rounded one. Sometimes, the females are fuller, but the males often have sweeter meat. You can’t go wrong either way!
Give 'Em a Sniff: Fresh crabs should smell like the sea. If they smell funky, like bad fish, put 'em back!
Fun Fact About Maryland Blue Crabs
Did you know that Maryland Blue Crabs are named after the bright blue color of their claws? But here's a fun twist: when you cook them, they turn that iconic bright red-orange color we all recognize. This color change happens because the heat breaks down proteins in the shell, allowing a red pigment called astaxanthin to become more visible. It's like a little science experiment on your plate!
Another cool fact? Blue Crabs are known for their sweet, tender meat, and the best ones are often found right in the Chesapeake Bay. The crabs in this region are so beloved that Maryland even holds an annual crab-picking contest where participants race to see who can pick the most crab meat the fastest!
Hit Up Harford Seafood Market for the Freshest Crabs
If you're looking for the freshest Maryland Blue Crabs, you gotta check out Harford Seafood Market. Right here in Maryland, they’ve got the hookup for all your seafood needs. Whether you’re planning a big crab boil or just craving some good eats, they’ve got you covered with the best selection around.
The folks at Harford Seafood Market know their stuff and are always ready to help you pick out the perfect crabs. So, head on over and get ready to enjoy some of the best seafood Maryland has to offer. Trust us, once you’ve had crabs from Harford, you’ll be back for more!
Get ready to make this crabbing season unforgettable with the freshest, most delicious crabs around. We’ll see you at Harford Seafood Market!
