Can dead spider crabs be eaten?
Generally, dead sea crabs are safe to eat if they're frozen fresh. Dead river crabs, however, are absolutely inedible. Sea crabs survive only briefly out of seawater and are typically frozen immediately after removal for preservation.
Some mistakenly believe all dead crabs are inedible. This is a misconception. Dead river crabs are definitely toxic, but sea crabs—not called "crab" in Chinese—are safe to eat even when dead.Seafood crabs are usually consumed dead (they die after being caught in the ocean). With the advancement of aquaculture, live seafood crabs are now available. So what you have is perfectly fine. Freshly dead crabs are still very fresh and delicious when steamed immediately. If you don't like the taste, you can cook them with salt or garlic paste. Of course, don't eat them if they're rotten. Nowadays, with better conditions, we can enjoy live seafood crabs.
For frozen spider crabs, if the ice water hasn't fully melted during transport or the box still feels slightly cold, it indicates the crab is fresh. It's recommended to place it in the freezer immediately upon arrival. Remember, the freezer, not the refrigerator. After a day, if you plan to eat it the next day, you can transfer the crab from the freezer to the refrigerator. Once thawed, it's ready to eat.Actually, it's best to salt-cure frozen spider crabs before freezing them. When ready to eat, take out a few. Cutting them while frozen is easy and keeps their shape intact.The abdomen is flat, commonly called the crab's navel. Male crabs have a triangular abdomen, while females have a round one. Males have a tea-green back, females a purple back, and both have a grayish-white underside. Named for its oval shape with pointed ends resembling a weaving shuttle, it is known as the Three-warted Spiny Crab.
How to store live sea crabs?
Unlike fish, sea crabs don't thrive simply in water. They prefer cool, shaded environments, making storage relatively straightforward. However, no storage method compares to enjoying them fresh.
1. Store in a straw bag.If purchasing live crabs, request a straw bag from the vendor. Place the live crabs inside and store the bag in the refrigerator's crisper drawer.
2. Use an aeration device. If you have an aeration device, this is the ideal method. Simply place the crabs in a bucket or basin filled with water and activate the aeration device.
3. Use a ready-made fish tank.Aquariums come equipped with aeration systems, making them a ready-made solution.
4. Utilize an ancient well. In rural areas, stone-built ancient wells often feature good water circulation, cleanliness, cool temperatures, and small fish or shrimp for sustenance—ideal for storage. Place the crabs in a large basket or net and lower it into the well. Avoid submerging them completely, as this can cause oxygen deprivation and suffocation.
5. Use buckets or basins. Most homes have buckets or basins—preferably wide-bottomed with smooth interiors. Place the crabs inside, then add water to cover about half their bodies or less. This maintains humidity without submerging them completely, preventing suffocation. Store in a slightly shaded area.
6. Refrigerator storage. Gently touch the crab's eyes; if it reacts quickly, select it. Tie the legs and claws of the Yangcheng Lake crab securely with string. Store in the refrigerator's fresh compartment (not the freezer) while maintaining humidity.