Blue Crabs
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
Most blue crabs come from the Chesapeake Bay on the Eastern coast of the Unites States. Blue crabs are considered a delicacy world-wide. Live Blues intended for 'whole consumption' or steaming - arguably one of the best ways to eat blue crabs- are purchased in bushels. Primarly, it is the male crabs purchased in this fashion and they are commonly referred to as "jimmys". The female crabs, referred to as "sooks" are usually sold to processing plants to be used for 'picked meat' usually sold in cans but also sometimes in jars. The most common use for pre-picked meat is the 'crab cake', a regional delicassy. Crabs come sized, which is determined by measuring their shell from point to point. The sizes are medium, large, jumbo, and #1 Jimmy. Crabs which are caught right after they've molted are called 'soft shelled' because the shell has not had time to harden. Often deep fried and served alone, in a sandwich, or even in sushi- soft shelled crabs are also a popular treat.
There are many ways to cook blue crabs, and how they are prepared is often dictated by the region of the country you are purchasing them in. In the North-East United States like Maine, they are often baked. In the Eastern United States in the Chesapeake region, most notably Maryland, they are steamed, and in the Southern United States, like Louisiana, they are boiled. When a blue crab is cooked, in whatever fashion, it's blue shell becomes bright red, a sure sign of doneness.
If you are from one of the above mentioned areas, you believe that those in the other two cook the crabs the wrong way. But regardless of how you cook them, there is still one basic strategy to eating the finished product which is referred to as 'picking the crab'. Often a lengthy process which involves much beer drinking and socializing. Some people don't like the idea of shredding a once living creature into little pieces, but once you get past that part of the experience, it's all great fun, and a wonderful tasty treat.
There are many ways to cook blue crabs, and how they are prepared is often dictated by the region of the country you are purchasing them in. In the North-East United States like Maine, they are often baked. In the Eastern United States in the Chesapeake region, most notably Maryland, they are steamed, and in the Southern United States, like Louisiana, they are boiled. When a blue crab is cooked, in whatever fashion, it's blue shell becomes bright red, a sure sign of doneness.
If you are from one of the above mentioned areas, you believe that those in the other two cook the crabs the wrong way. But regardless of how you cook them, there is still one basic strategy to eating the finished product which is referred to as 'picking the crab'. Often a lengthy process which involves much beer drinking and socializing. Some people don't like the idea of shredding a once living creature into little pieces, but once you get past that part of the experience, it's all great fun, and a wonderful tasty treat.
