When one thinks of crab, one often thinks of Alaskan King Crab legs, Dungeness or Snow crab. However, one type of crab which is often overlooked is that of the Japanese Spider Crab. A crab which is larger than most with long spindly legs and a bright orange coloring with white spots. In addition, the thorny eyes often throw people off course when considering such crab as a gourmet delicacy.
However, while in some areas, the Japanese Spider Crab is often revered, it is a gourmet cuisine in others. As such, it has been considered a delicacy for many years. However, when preparing crabs for cooking, if one is not going to cook such crabs live, then one needs to placed the crabs on ice before a process known as hibernation begins. After which, the best way to cook such crab is often by steaming in brine for 15 to 20 minutes depending upon the size.
However, if one is going to Cooking Crab Legs at home, there are a few things one may want to know. For example, while many cafes, diners and restaurants cook such crabs live, one can also preserve such crabs on ice for short periods of time. As such, if one is uncomfortable with cooking such creatures live, one can often have a local market put the crab on ice so that one can later cook the frozen crab at home.
Of course, like all crabs, the Japanese Spider Crab has a tough skin. However, unlike other crabs, this crab often has hairy skin up until adulthood. As such, one can tell how young or old such a crab is by the appearance of its outer skin. For, if the skin is hairy, it is often a younger crab. Whereas, when such skin is smooth, the crab is most likely an adult.
As to the habitat in which such crabs are found. Most often, this rare species is found off the coast of Japan, around the Japanese archipelago. However, it had originally been believed that such crabs covered a much larger area of the continent but had been eliminated due to over harvesting. Although, it appears the species is back to normal levels even with such ongoing harvest for culinary purposes.
In addition, to their size and overwhelming appearance, in earlier times it had also been believed that such crabs were some form of sea monster. As such, many may have been destroyed out of fear and understanding as have been destroyed for food. Regardless, such crabs have now become known as a delicacy among crabs and have now become known more for their flavor than their size.
To this end, while fear to some and food to others, it is believed that the Japanese Spider Crab is a crab among crabs. As such, many individuals believe there is no comparison between the taste of traditional crab such as Alaskan, Dungeness or Snow crab and that of this species. However, as one may often have to travel to locate this rare species of crab, many individuals never have the opportunity to try what has become known, at least in Japan, as a culinary delight unless one has an opportunity to visit such regions of the World.
