Queen crab, also known as Tanner crab or Snow crab, is a species of crab that belongs to the family of Lithodidae. This species of crab is mostly found in the cold waters off the coast of Alaska in the Pacific Ocean, but can also be found in some parts of the Atlantic Ocean. Queen crab is one of the most popular seafood delicacies in the world due to its sweet, succulent meat and easy-to-cook nature. In this article, we will discuss in detail about the queen crab, its habitat, physical characteristics, diet, and nutritional value.
Habitat of Queen Crab
Queen crab is mostly found in the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Alaska, particularly in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. They prefer to live in areas with a depth range of 90 to 400 meters, where the water temperature is around 0 to 4 degrees Celsius. Queen crab can also be found in some parts of the Atlantic Ocean along the eastern coast of Canada and Greenland.
Physical Characteristics of Queen Crab
Queen crab is a large-sized crab, with a body length of around 15 to 20 centimeters and a leg span of up to 1 meter. They have a brownish-red shell, which is covered with spines and knobs, and they have an oval-shaped body. Unlike most other crabs, queen crab has long, slender legs that are adapted for swimming. They also have very large claws, which are often used for catching and killing prey.
Diet of Queen Crab
Queen crab is primarily a scavenger and feeds on the remains of other dead marine animals, including fish, mollusks, and other crabs. They are also known to eat kelp and algae. They use their powerful claws to crack open the shells of their prey and extract the meat.
Nutritional Value of Queen Crab
Queen crab is an excellent source of several essential nutrients, including protein, calcium, iron, and zinc. It is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. A 100-gram serving of queen crab meat contains around 19 grams of protein, 0.3 grams of fat, and 77 milligrams of cholesterol.
Cooking and Serving Queen Crab
Queen crab is an incredibly versatile seafood, and it can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, broiling, grilling, frying, and baking. To cook boiled queen crab, bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the crab, and simmer for around 12 minutes. Serve with butter and lemon wedges. Grilled queen crab is another popular preparation, where the crab is brushed with olive oil and grilled until it turns bright orange. Once cooked, the meat can be served with various sauces and accompaniments, such as garlic butter, aioli, or roasted vegetables.
Keywords: Queen crab, Tanner crab, Snow crab, Lithodidae, Pacific ocean, Alaska, Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, Atlantic Ocean, Canada, Greenland, brownish-red shell, scavenger, omega-3 fatty acids, heart health, boiling, grilling, butter, lemon wedges, grilled, garlic butter, aioli, roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
Queen crab is a delectable seafood delicacy that is prized all around the world for its sweet, succulent meat and versatility in cooking. This species of crab is primarily found in the cold waters off the coast of Alaska in the Pacific Ocean and is an excellent source of several essential nutrients. Whether boiled, grilled, or baked, queen crab is a delicious addition to any seafood meal.