New Year, New Weather, Year of the Dragon
The process of identifying hairy crabs is actually like an in-depth exploration of food, which requires meticulous observation and rich experience. Here are the detailed steps on how to identify hairy crabs:
First, start with the looks. A good hairy crab shell should be a bright red or orange-red color, uniform and shiny, which indicates the freshness and vitality of the crab. If the shell is dull in color, it may be brown or off-white, it may be that the crab is not fresh enough, or the crab is of poor quality. At the same time, the hardness and smoothness of the crab shell are also important criteria for judging the quality of the crab. A high-quality hairy crab with a hard and smooth shell that feels heavy to the touch.
Next, observe the size and weight of the crab. Generally speaking, the heavier the weight, the richer the meat and the better the taste. In addition, the spines on the crab's claws are also an important criterion. The denser the spines on the crab claws, the more crab paste there is, and the better the taste.
The sense of smell is another important way to judge the quality of hairy crabs. High-quality hairy crabs should not have an obvious fishy smell, but will have a faint marine taste. If you smell a fishy or peculiar smell, it may be that the crab is not fresh enough, or the crab is not stored in a good environment.
In addition, checking the belly of the crab is also a very important step. High-quality hairy crabs should have a full belly and elastic flesh. You can gently press the belly of the crab, and if you feel the elasticity, it means that the meat of the abdomen is still relatively full. If the abdomen is collapsed or dented, it may be that the crab is of poor quality.
While observing the appearance and abdomen of the crab, the crab's chelicera cannot be ignored. The chelicerae should be bright red in color with some luster. At the same time, the flesh of the chelicerae should also be firm and powerful, with no flaccidity. These are all important indicators to judge the freshness and quality of crabs.
Finally, the sex of the crab is also a factor to consider. In general, male crabs have a more delicious taste, and female crabs have a more mellow taste. Therefore, when choosing hairy crabs, you can choose the gender of the crab according to your taste preferences.
In summary, identifying hairy crabs requires us to make a comprehensive judgment from many aspects.