THERE’S nothing more disappointing than cracking open a crab only to find it hollow and lacking meat.
It’s a letdown for your seafood feast – and a waste of a good crab.
The good news is, there are a few tell-tale signs that can help you avoid catching empty or freshly moulted crabs.
First, take a good look at the shell. If it’s shiny, clean, or slightly see-through, the crab has likely moulted recently and hasn’t had time to fill out. Crabs with a rougher, tougher shell – often covered in barnacles or algae – are generally older and meatier.
Flip the crab over and check the underside.
A dark cross pattern is a strong indicator that the crab is full.
Remember, safety first – always tie or restrain the crab before testing the shell.
