Difference Between King Crab And Blue Crab
Seafood lovers everywhere are practically spoiled for choice when it comes to crab meat. Two of the most popular species of crab in the United States are the king crab and blue crab. Although both are delicious, they are different in many ways. Here, we'll explore those differences in detail.
Appearance
The first and most obvious difference between these two types of crabs is their appearance. King crabs are larger and have a reddish-brown color with spiky legs. They can grow to up to 6 feet in length and weigh more than 20 pounds. Blue crabs, on the other hand, are smaller and have a blue-green color with olive shells. They are typically between 5-7 inches in length and weigh around 1/3 to a 1/2 pound.
Taste and Texture
While both king crab and blue crab are considered tasty, they have different tastes and textures. King crab meat is usually sweeter and firmer than that of blue crab. It has a buttery and almost nutty flavor. Blue crab, on the other hand, has a more delicate and slightly sweet flavor. Its meat is tender and flaky.
Price
Another big difference between king crab and blue crab is their price. Due to their larger size, king crab can be quite expensive, costing anywhere from $20 to $30 per pound. Blue crab, on the other hand, is usually more affordable, with prices ranging from $8 to $12 per pound.
Nutritional Value
In terms of nutrition, both types of crab provide a range of vitamins and minerals. King crab meat is high in protein, low in fat and calories and has no carbohydrates. It’s also an excellent source of vitamins B12 and E, zinc and omega-3s. Blue crab meat is also high in protein and vitamin B12, but it’s higher in fat and calories than king crab meat.
Harvesting
King crab and blue crab are harvested in different ways. King crab is mostly caught in the cold waters of Alaska, and the harvesting process is quite dangerous. Fishermen use large metal cages, which they lower to the ocean floor, and then retrieve them after a period of time. They may encounter storms and rough seas, which can make their job even more challenging. Blue crab, on the other hand, is usually caught in the Chesapeake Bay using crab pots or traps.
Cooking Method
The different taste and texture of king crab and blue crab make them suited for different cooking methods. King crab is often served boiled or roasted and is frequently used in dishes such as crab cakes or in soups and stews. Blue crab, on the other hand, is often steamed or boiled and is commonly used in dishes such as crab cakes, soft-shell crab sandwiches, and crab soup.
Conclusion
While both king crab and blue crab are delicious seafood options, they have many differences. King crab is larger, sweeter and firmer, but also expensive. Blue crab is more affordable, has a delicate flavor, but is higher in fat and calories. Both types of crab provide a range of vitamins and minerals and are harvested differently. Ultimately, whether you prefer king crab or blue crab will come down to personal preference and what cooking methods suit the taste and texture of each crab.
