Crabs are not only interesting creatures but also very appetizing. While the value of such meat is underestimated by many, simply because they do not know how to choose and cook it so that it does not lose its value. Crabmeat is obtained from its legs, claws, and stomach. It is considered a delicacy, is quickly absorbed, and is extremely healthy for you. Today we are taking a look at Dungeness crab.
What does Dungeness crab taste like? Is Dungeness crab sweet? Dungeness crab has a unique sweetish, almost nutty taste, and its meat is very tender, soft, and juicy. Dungeness crab has a meatier structure, but at the same time, it literally melts in your mouth. Unique taste, originality, and ease of preparation make Dungeness crab extremely valuable.
Dungeness crab is traditionally served whole, hot or cold, with melted butter or sauces. Dungeness crab is an excellent ingredient in salads, sandwiches, appetizers, pasta, or specialties such as Dungeness crab patties. The crab should be thawed and reheated over low heat in a double boiler, oven, or oven for serving as a hot meal, or simply reheated and cooled for salads and cold dishes. Dungeness crab is fished in the clear, icy waters of the North Pacific and is available frozen all year round.
The Dungeness crab has five pairs of legs, of which four are walking legs and the fifth pair are pincers. The legs of the Dungeness crab are shorter than those of other crab species harvested commercially in Alaska. The shell of the Dungeness crab is soft and thornless. The average weight of the Dungeness crab is 0.9-1.36 kg. Dungeness crabs live 8-13 years.
Is Dungeness Crab Good for You?
Is Dungeness crab healthy for you? Dungeness crab is extremely healthy and good for you. The main benefits of Dungeness crab meat are the enrichment of the body with iodine and restoring hormonal levels. There is a positive effect on the cardiovascular, immune, nervous, musculoskeletal systems.
Dungeness crab meat helps with cardiovascular diseases, facilitates skin rejuvenation, and is good for your diet. It contains a significant amount of protein (16 g per 100 g of edible part), iodine, as well as vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, C, PP), macronutrients (calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus), trace elements (iron).
Dungeness crab meat is very rich in such an essential substance for the body as protein. 100 g of this product contains 18 g of protein, 1.8 g of fat, and practically no carbohydrates.
See also: What Does Crab Taste Like? Is It Sweet or Fishy?
The composition of Dungeness crabmeat is no less unique. For example, it contains a lot of niacin (vitamin PP or B3). This is a substance that regulates blood cholesterol levels and helps to normalize metabolism. And vitamin B5 stimulates brain activity, ensures good absorption of other useful components, improves the metabolism of hemoglobin, lipids, fatty acids, and histamine.
Dungeness crab contains large amounts of crab meat and pyridoxine (vitamin B6). This component has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system, prevents early skin aging, and helps to relax muscle tissues. Among other useful vitamins present in this product, the following can be distinguished: B1, B2, A, B 9, B12.
Of the microelements, Dungeness crab contains phosphorus, sodium, and potassium. The latter is required for the normal functioning of the bone and muscular systems. Also, it has a positive effect on brain activity and blood pressure. And sodium, along with other minerals, takes part in water-salt metabolism, in the work of muscle tissue and digestive processes.
Macronutrients such as magnesium, zinc, and calcium are also present in Dungeness crab. It is the content of zinc that is very important. This is a substance that contributes to the normal formation of bones, improves memory, brain function, and ensures a successful pregnancy. There are a lot of other useful substances in this product, such as iodine, selenium, manganese, iron, and copper.
Since Dungeness crab meat also contains calcium, it is good for tooth enamel, nails, and bones. This product also serves as an excellent prophylactic against cancer and heart attacks, as it contains omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids. If you want to improve your health, it is worth buying crab and eating it regularly.
So, the benefits of eating Dungeness crabs are undeniable as they are rich in proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, including phosphorus, calcium, iron, copper, iodine. No wonder in those countries where the seafood is widely used, people get sick less and live longer.
However, like many marine inhabitants, crabs can be radioactive, also, they eat very different foods on the bottom, and their meat can be contaminated with various bacteria. Besides, do not forget that crabs are a very perishable product, they can be stored fresh and chilled for no more than 15 hours (30 hours on ice), after this time, eating crab meat can lead to serious poisoning.
Dungeness Crab Price
Dungeness crabs are pretty expensive. You can buy a pound of Dungeness crab for $5-$10. Dungeness crab without a shell will cost $20 per pound.
However, Dungeness crab is definitely worth the money because it is not only a delicious delicacy, it contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids that help our heart, skin, and brain stay healthy, and also contains an easily digestible protein, vitamin D.
Why are Dungeness crabs so expensive? Dungeness crabs are so expensive because they are hard to catch, keep alive, and are also subject to governmental restrictions and quotas. The demand for Dungeness crabs exceeds the supply. Dungeness crabs are also perishable products, thus they need to be sold and shipped quickly.
Plus, the sellers must pay taxes and other fees. All this makes Dungeness crabs very expensive.
Dungeness crab meat is appreciated all over the world as a delicacy. It has a high taste and dietary properties, is easy to prepare, and goes well with a variety of products.
What Part of Dungeness Crab Is Edible?
The edible parts of Dungeness crab are the meat in the legs, claws, and in the place where the legs join the shell. The amount of meat in an individual may vary depending on the season. Raw meat is gray in color and jelly-like in texture, and after cooking it becomes white and fibrous. Dungeness crab caviar is also edible.
Can you eat Dungeness crab raw? However, you should not eat Dungeness crab raw. The main method of cooking Dungeness crabs is boiling: the legs of the crab are placed in salted boiling water and boiled for 15–20 minutes. After boiling, the meat can be canned or frozen for long-term storage.
Crabmeat is good for salads, soups, sauces. Crab pieces can be used to decorate various fish dishes. So, in German cuisine, crab meat is used mainly in the design of dishes. Crabmeat goes very well with mayonnaise, lemon juice, eggs, and parsley. Crabmeat is often sold as canned food. Crab canned food has a pleasant, delicate, slightly sweet taste. They are served with various sauces and added to salads.
