Difference In Snow Crab And Dungeness Crab
Crabs are a popular seafood delicacy and are available in different types. Among the most widely consumed crabs are snow crab and Dungeness crab. Although they might look alike, they have some differences in terms of taste, texture, and nutritional value. This article aims to explore the difference between snow crab and Dungeness crab.
Appearance
Snow crab and Dungeness crab have a few distinct physical differences that set them apart. Snow crabs have a spiky and spiny exoskeleton that gives them a hairy appearance. They have longer legs and a thinner body compared to Dungeness crabs, and their shells have a reddish-brown color. On the other hand, Dungeness crabs have a wide, flat body and shorter legs. They have a purplish-brown shell that is thicker than that of snow crabs.
Taste
When it comes to taste, snow crab and Dungeness crab have their unique flavors. Snow crab has a sweet taste with a delicate flavor, and its meat has a fibrous texture. In contrast, Dungeness crab has a more robust and nuttier flavor and is known for its dense, meaty texture. Both types of crabs can be cooked in different ways, such as grilling, boiling, or steaming, enhancing their individual tastes.
Nutritional Value
When it comes to nutritional value, both snow crab and Dungeness crab are low in fat and high in protein. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 100 grams of Dungeness crab contains 19 grams of protein, while 100 grams of snow crab contains 17.2 grams of protein. Dungeness crab has more iron than snow crab, with 100 grams of Dungeness crab providing 1.43 milligrams of iron, while 100 grams of snow crab has 0.64 milligrams of iron.
Price
The price of snow crab and Dungeness crab varies depending on their availability and demand. Since Dungeness crabs are caught in limited quantities, they are relatively more expensive than snow crabs, which are readily available in several geographic locations. Additionally, Dungeness crabs are generally more massive than snow crabs, which might contribute to their higher price.
Sustainability
Both snow crab and Dungeness crab are commercially harvested and can be responsibly sourced to maintain their population levels. However, Dungeness crab populations are more susceptible to overfishing because they take longer to reach maturity and have a more extended breeding season than snow crabs. Therefore, it is essential to purchase crab from sustainable sources and not contribute to the depletion of these species.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both snow crab and Dungeness crab are popular types of crabs, they have their distinct differences in terms of appearance, taste, nutritional value, price, and sustainability. It is up to an individual's preference to choose one over the other, but it is always recommended to consume crab sustainably.
