Snow Crab Legs Vs Blue Crab Legs
If you're a seafood lover, you've probably tried crab legs at some point. Snow and blue crab legs are two of the most popular types of crab legs available in the United States. While they may look similar, they have distinct differences in taste, texture, and nutritional value. In this article, we'll compare snow crab legs and blue crab legs to help you decide which one is better for you.
What are Snow Crab Legs?
Snow crabs, also known as queen crabs, are found in the cold waters of the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans. Their legs are long and thin, and they are prized for their sweet and delicate meat.
Snow crab legs are usually sold pre-cooked and frozen. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, or quickly steam them for a few minutes. Snow crab legs are typically served with melted butter and lemon juice.
What are Blue Crab Legs?
Blue crabs are found in the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. They have a hard, spiky shell and thick meat that is slightly sweet and briny.
Blue crab legs are usually sold live or freshly cooked. You can steam or boil them for about 10-15 minutes until they turn a bright orange-red color. Blue crab legs are often served with Old Bay seasoning and melted butter.
Taste and Texture
The taste of snow crab legs is often described as sweeter and more delicate than blue crab legs. Snow crab meat is also softer and more tender, with a slightly more fibrous texture. Blue crab legs, on the other hand, have a firmer texture and a more pronounced flavor that can be slightly briny or even slightly metallic.
Nutritional Value
Both snow crab legs and blue crab legs are low in fat and high in protein. Snow crab legs are slightly lower in calories and cholesterol than blue crab legs, but blue crab legs are higher in vitamins and minerals.
For example, a 3-ounce serving of snow crab legs contains about 90 calories, 17 grams of protein, and 20% of the daily recommended intake of sodium. The same serving of blue crab legs contains about 100 calories, 17 grams of protein, and 30% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin B12.
Cooking and Preparation
Both snow crab legs and blue crab legs are easy to prepare, but they require different cooking methods. Snow crab legs are usually pre-cooked and frozen, so you just need to thaw them and heat them up. You can steam them for a few minutes or bake them in the oven with butter.
Blue crab legs, on the other hand, are usually sold live or freshly cooked. You need to boil or steam them for about 10-15 minutes until they turn bright orange-red. You'll also need to remove the shell and any gills or lungs before you can eat them.
Conclusion
Both snow crab legs and blue crab legs are delicious and nutritious seafood options. Snow crab legs are sweeter and more delicate, with a softer texture, while blue crab legs are firmer and have a more pronounced flavor. When it comes to nutritional value, both types of crab legs are low in fat and high in protein, but blue crab legs are higher in vitamins and minerals.
Ultimately, the choice between snow crab legs and blue crab legs comes down to personal preference and availability. Snow crab legs are more widely available and easier to prepare, but blue crab legs are a regional specialty with a more distinctive flavor. Whichever type of crab legs you choose, make sure to enjoy them in moderation as part of a healthy and balanced diet.