[LIVE] (1) Dozen USA Female Hard Shell Blue Crabs Females (Large/Extra Large mix, 6-7 inches)

Don’t Judge a Crab by its Shell!

Some may argue with this assertion since a “rusty” looking shell normally equates to loads of meat, and most crab house crew agree. Let’s consider the male vs. female shells. Males may have broader shells with more pronounced ridges on the sides. Watch out for these ridges if swimming in bay waters. They cause quite a cut if you step on this wily crustacean! Size-wise, males also impress with their length, point-to-point. Reason being, males keep growing after maturity, long after the females have stopped. Of course, the blue claws on the male vs the red on the female, along with the bottom shell’s apron or tab appears slender on the male vs. the female’s bell-shaped one. These differences seem quite simple, but they do affect the crab prices or arguably, the taste.

Since we live in a country that relies on supply and demand, the males naturally cost more. Most enthusiasts love the larger sizes in the male or "jimmy". That’s when it comes down to more “bang for the buck.” An average blue crab weighs about 1/3 pound and yields about 2 ¼ ounces of meat. Add up the math and you’ll find it takes about 6 crabs to pick a pound. In this case, line up the males and get picking and then do the same for the females. How many females produce a pound vs. the males? You’ll find that a large male; for example, measuring 6”-6.5” yields a bit more than the female. However, the reason is that the female’s meat is denser, compacted, giving the appearance of more for the male. Weigh both and you’ll find, they weigh about the same! Less crab eaters, however, want the females so you get more for the money when you opt for the female "sooks".

What about taste? The answer resides in the “dense” feature with the females. Yes, they may have roe, which takes the discussion to another level, but let’s talk about the jumbo, lump, and claw meat. After maturity, the female stops growing in size, but continues producing meat. The density of the meat keeps the salt in the brackish waters from seeping into the female’s cavities. Therefore, lo and behold, females boast sweeter meat. They even molt less than the males, keeping the meat protected from the salty waters. Taste-wise, you may prefer the female, unless the "seasoned" male by a slightly saltier taste suits your fancy. Other factors play into the meat’s development such as hotter summers or plentiful food sources, so you want to make sure you visit a dock that has healthy waters. It’s up to you. Which crab do you prefer? The male or female blue crab?