Dungeness Crab and Snow Crab are both among the most popular types of crabs served in restaurants, but there are significant differences between them. This article will examine the differences between the two types of crabs, including their appearance, taste, habitat, and nutritional values.
Dungeness Crab
Dungeness Crab (Scientific name: Metacarcinus magister) is a species of crab that is native to the Pacific Ocean. It is named after the seaside town of Dungeness, Washington, where it was first commercially harvested in the late 1800s. Dungeness Crab is a popular seafood delicacy, known for its sweet and delicate flavor.
Appearance
Dungeness Crab has a distinctive walnut-shaped shell that is 6-10 inches wide. The shell is brownish-red in color, with some purple spots. The body meat of the Dungeness Crab is white with pinkish spots, while its legs are brownish-red. Its claws are large and powerful, with black tips.
Taste
Compared to Snow Crab, Dungeness Crab has a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor. Its meat is firm and sweet, with a slightly nutty taste. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as crab cakes, salads, and soups.
Habitat
Dungeness Crab is primarily found on the Pacific coast, from Alaska to Southern California. It prefers shallow waters, such as estuaries and bays, where it feeds on small fish, clams, and other crabs. It is typically harvested in the fall and winter months when its meat is at its sweetest.
Nutritional Value
Dungeness Crab is low in fat, making it a healthy option for seafood lovers. It is also a good source of protein, with 100 grams of Dungeness Crab containing 19 grams of protein. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium.
Snow Crab
Snow Crab (Scientific name: Chionoecetes opilio) is a popular species of crab that is caught in the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans. It is named for its snowy white meat, which is delicate and slightly sweet. Snow Crab is a popular ingredient in seafood boils, sushi, and salads.
Appearance
Snow Crab has a round, flat shell that is 6-10 inches wide. Its shell is light reddish-brown in color, sometimes with a purple hue. The Snow Crab’s legs are long and slender, with small spikes along the edges. Its claws are also relatively small, with long, pointed tips.
Taste
Snow Crab has a delicate and slightly sweet flavor, similar to Dungeness Crab. Its meat is white and flaky, with a texture that is slightly more tender than Dungeness Crab.
Habitat
Snow Crab is found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans, primarily in the Bering Sea and off the coast of Alaska. It prefers deep, cold water, where it feeds on small fish, plankton, and other crabs. Snow Crab is typically harvested in the winter months when its meat is at its sweetest.
Nutritional Value
Snow Crab is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy choice for seafood lovers. It is also rich in protein, with 100 grams of Snow Crab containing 17 grams of protein. It is also a good source of nutrients such as vitamin E, zinc, and copper.
Key Differences Between Dungeness Crab and Snow Crab
1. Appearance: Dungeness Crab has a distinctive walnut-shaped shell that is brownish-red in color with some purple spots, while Snow Crab has a round, flat shell that is reddish-brown in color.
2. Taste: Dungeness Crab has a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor, while Snow Crab has a delicate and slightly sweet flavor.
3. Habitat: Dungeness Crab is found on the Pacific coast, from Alaska to Southern California, while Snow Crab is found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans, primarily in the Bering Sea and off the coast of Alaska.
4. Nutritional Value: Dungeness Crab is low in fat and a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, while Snow Crab is low in fat and calories and a good source of protein and nutrients such as vitamin E, zinc, and copper.
Conclusion
Both Dungeness Crab and Snow Crab are delicious seafood delicacies with unique characteristics. While Dungeness Crab is more commonly found on the Pacific coast and has a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor, Snow Crab is typically found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans and has a delicate and slightly sweet flavor. Both types of crab are low in fat and a good source of protein and nutrients, making them a healthy option for seafood lovers.