How To Guide Maryland Crabs

Are you ever intimidated when it comes to eating crab? Crab legs, soft-shell crab, blue crab, stone crab…what is the proper way to eat them?

You will probably be surprised to learn that there are over 4,400 varieties of crab. The most prolific crab on the east coast of the US is the blue crab.

This variety is a beautiful blue in color but turns bright red when cooked.

How to Eat Maryland Crabs: Your Guide to Blue Crabs

Do you know how to eat blue crab? Do you shy away from ordering it off the menu because you’re not quite sure how to eat blue crabs?

These crustaceans are delicious and make for a very enjoyable experience when done the right way. Keep reading to learn how to eat Maryland crabs the right way.

How to Eat Maryland Crabs the Right Way

Eating blue crab is an experience visitors to Maryland crave! A lot of times though, people are not sure how to eat a blue crab which makes it a rather unpleasant experience. Stay with us to learn how to eat Maryland blue crab the right way.

1. Prepare for a Mess

Line your table with butcher paper or a plastic table cloth. These things can be very messy.

Prepping the table will make clean-up a breeze.

Have lots of paper towels on hand or some heavy-duty cloth napkins. Don’t forget your bib.

2. Melt the Butter

Have plenty of melted butter on hand to dip the crab. Add some lemon juice if desired.

3. Remove Parts

Twist the legs and claws to remove them from the body. Save the claws for later, but discard the legs.

4. Open the Shell

Lay the crab on its back and remove the part known as the apron. This is the flap on the abdomen.

Turn the crab back over and pull the shell from the back and bring it forward.

Now you are ready to crack it open. Twist the shell to expose the inner cavity and break it in two.

5. Remove Inedible Parts

Scrape out the gray, spongy-looking parts with a knife or spoon. This should not be consumed.

You’ll also notice the hepatopancreas, an organ that filters out toxins. This is the yellowish-brown stuff that some consider a delicacy. If the crab is from noncontaminated water, it is safe to eat. This is according to preference, of course.

6. Enjoy

Pick out the meat. Next, crack the claws with a mallet or cracker to remove the meat from those.

Enjoy the meat dipped in your melted butter.

Not in or near Maryland? Check out Crab Dynasty for fresh Maryland seafood delivered right to your door!

Ready to Take on Blue Crabs?

Now that you know how to eat Maryland crabs, are you ready to put some on your plate? Did you learn something useful? Be sure to bookmark our site for easy access to all of our great content from movie reviews to coupon deals to travel advice.