TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Asian Freshwater Crab Types
The Chinese mitten crab (lat. Eriocheir sinensis) is a unique species of crab notable for its furry claws that resemble mittens, hence its name. It is native to the coastal estuaries of eastern Asia, from Korea in the north to the Fujian province of China in the south.
Aside from the distinctive furry claws on the males, these crabs have a light brown to olive green shell and can grow to a carapace width of up to 10 centimeters. Chinese mitten crabs are catadromous. They spend most of their life in fresh water but migrate to saltwater environments to breed.
Nam Can crab, a trademark-recognized specialty from the Vietnamese province of Ca Mau, thrives in the unique ecological environment of Nam Can, a district surrounded by the sea and enriched with interlaced rivers, canals, and mangrove forests. The district's alluvial sediment from the Cua Lon River creates a stable salinity, offering an ideal habitat for these crabs.
Nam Can crabs feed primarily on small fish, resulting in firm, sweet, and rich meat. Unlike industrially-raised crabs, Nam Can crabs possess dark, firm shells and a unique flavor that stands out in the seafood realm. Their resilience allows for long-distance transportation, catering to domestic markets like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as international markets in South Korea and China.
Sam biển Gò Công is a Vietnamese tri-spine horseshoe crab that’s popular in the Mekong Delta and around Go Cong beach. The crabs mate from November to March and the males stick to females, which is the reason why they’re caught in this season as it doubles the harvest.
Once caught, the crabs are prepared in delicate ways and served as fresh as possible. The meat of these crabs has a silky and fibrous texture, while the flavors are rich, savory-sweet, with a slightly salty aftertaste, reminiscent of the ocean and its nutrients.
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