Difference Between King Crab And Dungeness Crab
Crab is a seafood delicacy that is enjoyed by many people all over the world. There are many different types of crab, with the most popular being the king crab and the Dungeness crab. While both types of crab are delicious, they have some fundamental differences that set them apart from each other. This article will explore the differences between king crab and Dungeness crab to help you decide which one to choose the next time you are in the mood for seafood.
King Crab
King crab is a large, spiky-looking crab that is found in the cold waters of the North Pacific Ocean. They are harvested primarily in Alaska and Russia and are considered a delicacy due to their sweet and succulent meat.
The average king crab weighs around 6-8 pounds and has a leg span of up to 5 feet. They have a hard exoskeleton that is covered in sharp spines, which helps to protect them from predators. King crab meat is typically pinkish-white in color and has a sweet flavor with a slightly salty taste.
One of the primary differences between king crab and Dungeness crab is their taste. King crab is typically considered to have a sweeter flavor than Dungeness crab due to its higher sugar content. The meat of king crab is also denser and firmer than Dungeness crab, making it a popular choice for dishes that require large chunks of meat, such as crab cakes and crab legs.
Dungeness Crab
Dungeness crab is a popular crab species that is found in the Pacific Ocean along the West Coast of the United States, from Alaska to California. They are named after the town of Dungeness, Washington, where they were first harvested commercially.
The average Dungeness crab weighs around 2-3 pounds and has a leg span of up to 10 inches. They have a smooth, hard shell that is colored in a mixture of shades of brown and purple, with white spots on their bellies. Dungeness crab meat is typically light pink in color and has a delicate flavor that is slightly sweet with a slightly nutty taste.
One of the primary differences between Dungeness crab and king crab is their size. Dungeness crab is typically smaller than king crab, which means that they have less meat per crab. The meat of Dungeness crab is also more delicate and flaky than king crab, making it a popular choice for dishes that require a more subtle flavor, such as risottos and salads.
The Verdict
So, which is better, king crab or Dungeness crab? The answer to this question ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a sweeter, denser meat that is best enjoyed in large chunks, then king crab is the way to go. If you prefer a more delicate, flaky meat that is best enjoyed in dishes that require a subtle flavor, then Dungeness crab is the way to go.
Regardless of which type of crab you choose, both king crab and Dungeness crab are delicious and worth trying. Whether you are enjoying a crab feast with friends and family or cooking up a batch of crab cakes in your own kitchen, you can't go wrong with either of these classic crab varieties.
