Difference In Snow Crab And King Crab
If you're a seafood lover, you're probably familiar with the names "Snow Crab" and "King Crab". These two types of crabs are quite popular in the United States, and they are often served in restaurants and consumed at home. But, what is the difference between Snow Crab and King Crab? This article seeks to answer just that.
What is Snow Crab?
Snow Crab, also known as Chionoecetes opilio, is a type of crab that is found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. They have a smooth, round body with five pairs of legs, and their legs are long and spindly. Snow Crabs have a sweet and delicate taste, and they are commonly used in salads, soups, and stir-fries. They are smaller in size, with an average weight of about 1-2 pounds.
What is King Crab?
King Crab, also known as Paralithodes camtschaticus, is a type of crab that is found in the cold waters of the North Pacific Ocean. They have a large and spiky body with five pairs of legs, and their legs are thick and meaty. King Crabs have a rich and succulent taste, and they are commonly used in crab cakes, crab salads, and as a stand-alone dish. They are much larger in size compared to Snow Crabs and can weigh up to 10 pounds on average.
Physical Differences Between Snow Crab and King Crab
The physical differences between Snow Crab and King Crab are quite significant. Snow Crabs have a smooth round body and spindly legs. They have a reddish-brown shell and are small in size. King Crabs have a large and spiky body with thick meaty legs. They have a tan shell with red highlights and are much larger in size compared to Snow Crabs. The claws of King Crabs are also much larger and meatier compared to the claws of Snow Crabs.
Taste Differences Between Snow Crab and King Crab
The taste differences between Snow Crab and King Crab are quite noticeable. Snow Crabs have a sweet and delicate taste, and their meat is lighter in color. King Crabs have a rich and succulent taste, and their meat is darker in color. The meat of King Crabs is also denser and firmer compared to the meat of Snow Crabs. However, both Snow Crabs and King Crabs are delicious in their own right, and the taste preference is entirely subjective.
Nutritional Differences Between Snow Crab and King Crab
When it comes to nutrition, both Snow Crab and King Crab are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Snow Crabs are low in calories and high in protein, with one serving (3.5 ounces) containing around 100 calories and 20 grams of protein. They are also a good source of vitamin B12, selenium, and zinc. King Crabs are higher in calories compared to Snow Crabs, with one serving (3.5 ounces) containing around 125 calories and 24 grams of protein. They are also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B12, and zinc.
Conclusion
In summary, Snow Crab and King Crab are both delicious types of crabs that are popular in the United States. Snow Crabs are smaller in size, have a sweet and delicate taste, and are low in calories. King Crabs are larger in size, have a rich and succulent taste, and are higher in calories. Both types of crabs are great sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
