Difference Between Stone Crab And King Crab
Seafood is a popular delicacy in the United States, and crabs are among the most sought after. Two of the most popular crustaceans are the Stone Crab and King Crab. While both are delicious, they are different in several ways. In this article, we will delve into the differences between Stone Crab and King Crab.
What is a Stone Crab?
Stone crabs are found on the Atlantic coast of Florida, particularly from the Florida Keys to the Panhandle, and in the Gulf of Mexico. They are medium to large-sized crabs with a hard, rounded shell that can range from tan to light brown. Stone crabs are best known for their meaty claws, which are harvested and sold for consumption.
Stone crab claws are harvested by fishermen, who remove one of the claws and return the crab to the water. The claw will regenerate over time, and the crab can continue to live and reproduce. Stone crab claws are served either hot or cold and are often accompanied by dipping sauce.
What is a King Crab?
King crabs are a type of crab found in the Bering Sea and Norton Sound in Alaska. They are large crabs, with a hard, spiky shell that can range from reddish-brown to dark brown. King crabs are sought after for their delicious meat, which is especially popular in seafood buffets.
King crab legs are the most sought after part of the crab, and they are harvested by fishermen with special traps. King crab legs are served either hot or cold and can be eaten on their own or with dipping sauces.
Differences between Stone Crab and King Crab
While both Stone Crab and King Crab are delicious, they are different in several ways. Here are some of the main differences between the two:
Location
One of the biggest differences between Stone Crab and King Crab is their location. Stone crabs are found on the Atlantic coast of Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico, while King crabs are found in the Bering Sea and Norton Sound in Alaska.
Size
Stone crabs are medium to large-sized crabs, while King crabs are among the largest crabs in the world. King crabs can grow up to 6 feet in length and can weigh over 20 pounds.
Shell
The shell of a Stone Crab is hard and rounded, while the shell of a King Crab is hard and spiky.
Claws
The meaty claws of a Stone Crab are harvested and sold for consumption, while the legs of a King Crab are the most sought after part of the crab.
Meat
The meat of a Stone Crab is mild and sweet, while the meat of a King Crab is more savory and rich. Both are delicious in their own way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Stone Crab and King Crab are both popular seafood delicacies in the United States, but they are different in several ways. Stone crabs are found in the Atlantic coast of Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico, while King crabs are found in the Bering Sea and Norton Sound in Alaska. Stone crabs are medium to large-sized crabs with a hard, rounded shell, while King crabs are among the largest crabs in the world with a hard, spiky shell. The meat of a Stone Crab is mild and sweet, while the meat of a King Crab is more savory and rich. Both are delicious and worth trying!
