Good day, Seafoodies! 

In terms of shopping for crab, navigating by means of the myriad choices on the grocery retailer or seafood market could make you are feeling….effectively…a bit crabby! Contemporary or pasteurized? Lump or in any other case? Who is aware of! 

As common connoisseur of all issues crab, consider us as your official guide on every part it is advisable know to make your subsequent crab buying expertise a breeze! 

First up, contemporary crab. This succulent protein is picked straight from live-cooked crabs after which sealed in plastic containers to keep up its freshness. Contemporary crab is a delight in your style buds, providing a burst of savory-sweet taste that’s laborious to withstand. Simply make certain to prepare dinner it to at the least 120 levels F and eat inside 3-5 days of buy.

Now, onto pasteurized crabmeat. Much like contemporary, it additionally originates from live-cooked crabs, however it’s pasteurized to permit for an extended shelf life. Conveniently packaged in cans or plastic cups, pasteurized crabmeat is a ready-to-eat delicacy straight from the container. Keep in mind to refrigerate it promptly and at all times take pleasure in it inside 3-5 days after opening. Professional tip: unopened pasteurized crabmeat can last as long as 18 months within the fridge! 

After you’ve selected contemporary or pasteurized, you may additionally discover that the crab in your native grocery store has a grade. Lump, jumbo, backfin—oh my! In the event you’re eyeing these pink, sizable chunks, you’re probably jumbo lump crabmeat. This can be a nice possibility for dishes requiring beneficiant items like salads, dips and even some crab desserts. On the flip aspect, flakier backfin crabmeat is a mix of jumbo lump and particular grade crabmeat that leads to smaller, browner morsels. Backfin crabmeat shines in casseroles and crab balls, bringing a depth of taste that’s equally satisfying.

So there you’ve got it—your final information to navigating the crab aisle or counter with confidence. Whether or not you like the freshness of live-cooked or the comfort of pasteurized, there’s a sort of crab that’s ready to raise your culinary creations. 

In the event you’re able to follow your new lesson in crab choice—take a look at this roundup of 35 easy crab recipes that can make you are feeling like a crustacean professional.

Now, get on the market and store in your subsequent crab dish with confidence!