What should not be eaten with crab? There are over 500 species of crab. The Chinese people have a long history of eating crab, dating back to the Zhou Dynasty. Even today, during the golden autumn season, holding a crab, sipping wine, admiring chrysanthemums, and reciting poetry remains a great pleasure.This demonstrates crab's status as a universally recognized delicacy, with the folk saying: "One plate of crab rivals the finest banquet." So what should not be eaten with crab?
Foods to avoid with crab:
Persimmons: Both crab and persimmons are autumn staples, yet they should never be consumed together.Reason: Crab meat is rich in protein, while persimmons contain high levels of tannic acid. These substances react with each other, causing the protein to coagulate into lumps that are difficult for the stomach to digest. Therefore, eating crab followed by persimmons can lead to discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Strong Tea: While tea is beloved in China, the ideal beverage with crab is warm yellow wine. It's best to avoid tea both before and after eating crab.There are two reasons: 1. Crab legs and gills may carry bacteria. Consuming alcohol or vinegar can kill these bacteria, and our stomach acid also has some antibacterial properties. However, drinking tea dilutes the stomach acid, significantly reducing its effectiveness;2. Like persimmons, tea contains tannic acid. Consuming them together can cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Ice water, ice cream: Similarly, crabs are inherently cold in nature. Consuming them with icy foods can lead to diarrhea and digestive upset.
Pears: Pears are cooling foods. Eating them with cold crabs can damage the spleen and stomach, causing indigestion.Those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold should be especially cautious;
Lamb: Lamb is sweet and warming in nature, while crab is cold. Eating them together not only greatly reduces lamb's warming properties but also harms the spleen and stomach. For those with pre-existing yang deficiency or spleen deficiency, this can easily lead to spleen-stomach dysfunction, further affecting vital energy;
Dog meat, loach: Same principle as above;
Never consume dead crabs;
Always ensure crabs are thoroughly cooked before eating;
Individuals with a history of crab allergies, or those suffering from hives, allergic asthma, or allergic dermatitis—especially children, the elderly, and pregnant women with allergic constitutions—should avoid crab consumption;
Those allergic to seafood have a very high likelihood of reacting to crab.If you still can't resist the temptation, start with a small amount. If an allergic reaction occurs, stop eating immediately.
Four parts of the crab are inedible and should be discarded:
Crab stomach: The triangular sac hidden within the roe, which also contains the crab's waste.It's hidden within the crab roe pile on the shell. Discard it after consuming the roe. Crab heart: Also known as the crab hexagon plate. This hexagonal structure lies at the thickest part of the roe in the crab's abdomen. It's the coldest part and absolutely must not be eaten. Lift the shell to reveal a layer of black membrane; the white, plate-like crab heart sits between the roe and this black membrane.
Gills: The two rows of soft, eyebrow-like structures on the crab's abdomen, commonly called "crab eyebrows," are its respiratory organs used to filter water and are very dirty. The triangular white substance beneath the gills should also not be eaten;
Intestines: Contain the crab's waste. After splitting open the crab body, remove the black strands found near the roe and meat;
What should not be eaten with crab? By now, you should have a good understanding. Though delicious, crab should not be consumed in excess. Women, who naturally have a cold constitution, should be especially cautious. During hot summer days, many pair crab with ice-cold beer—please avoid this practice. Your health is paramount.