Stone Crab Claws

 

 

 

 

Whether you prefer soft shell crab or stone crab, you'll enjoy the savory taste of their meat boiled in the shell. Stone crabs are native to the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, and their claws are considered to be one of the most imposing of all sea creatures. Their distinctive claws can crush anything up to 19,000 pounds per square inch! A stone crab's lifespan is about seven years, while its female counterpart lives for eight years. Unlike other crabs, however, they have a lot of siblings.

 

Stone crab claws are among the most expensive seafoods on the market. A plate of four 7-ounce stone crab claws at a restaurant can cost over $140, which is steep when you consider the labor involved in catching these creatures. The process of catching these crabs is grueling, and fishers are only allowed to harvest the claws, not the whole animal. In addition, the crabs are expensive and hard to find, which makes them even more expensive.

 

Despite their high price tag, stone crab claws are a great way to indulge in the sweet, delicate white meat of this crustacean. They are available year-round in Florida and Carolina, and are best enjoyed with a mallet. To complete the experience, try pairing them in stone crab claw season with a cocktail, newspaper, and mojito for the perfect night out. And don't forget to snap a picture of yourself eating stone crab claws!

 

A typical stone crab operation will require 900 pounds of pig's feet to bait the boat, which is roughly half of the total cost of fishing. The rest of the operating cost is about $1,100 to leave the dock. However, the price of the food items, such as pig's feet and bait, has gone up over the past few years. This has caused stone crab claws to be much more expensive than Alaskan snow crab legs, making them a great choice for any dinner party.

 

While you may be able to get stone crabs delivered anywhere along the Gulf coast, Florida is where most of the stone crabs are harvested. Approximately 40 percent of Florida stone crabs are harvested in the Keys every year. Stone crab claws are often steamed or boiled and served with melted butter or tangy mustard sauce. Claws are often sold in Keys markets and are an excellent sustainable seafood source. Unlike most shellfish, stone crabs can regrow their claws, meaning they can continue to enjoy delicious food for years to come.

 

Stone crab claws regenerate after several molts. For an adult stone crab, this process usually takes about a year. However, younger stone crabs can regenerate their claws in a matter of months! If you're looking for the ultimate gift for a crab lover, consider ordering a stone crab claw from Holy Crab and relive the delicious flavor of its claws. While they're a great option for gifts, it's important to check with your local store before purchasing. For more info, check out this related link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declawing_of_crabs.