Southern King Crab Vs Alaskan King Crab
Seafood lovers are always seeking new experiences and trying out new varieties of seafood. King crabs are one such delicacy that seafood enthusiasts love to indulge in. However, when it comes to king crab, most people are not aware that there are two different types of king crabs available in the market – Southern King Crab and Alaskan King Crab.
While they might look identical, there are some key differences between these two types of king crabs. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Southern King Crab vs Alaskan King Crab debate and help you decide which one is better.
What is a Southern King Crab?
Southern King Crab, also known as Tasmanian King Crab, is a large crustacean that is found in the southern hemisphere. These crabs are mainly found in the waters surrounding Tasmania, New Zealand, and South Africa. Southern King Crabs weigh around 3-4 pounds and have a leg span of around 2 feet.
The meat of Southern King Crab is sweet and succulent and is considered a delicacy in many countries. However, since these crabs are smaller in size, their meat yield is lower than Alaskan King Crabs.
What is an Alaskan King Crab?
Alaskan King Crab, also known as Red King Crab, is a larger species of crab that is found in the northern Pacific Ocean. These crabs can weigh up to 20 pounds and have a leg span of up to 6 feet.
Alaskan King Crab is highly prized for its sweet, delicate meat with a slightly salty taste. They are the largest and most abundant species of king crab, making up a major part of the king crab industry.
Appearance
While both Southern King Crab and Alaskan King Crab belong to the same family, they differ in their appearance. Southern King Crab has a bluish-black shell while Alaskan King Crab has a reddish-brown shell. Alaskan King Crab is much larger in size with longer legs than Southern King Crab.
Flavor and Texture
When it comes to taste and texture, both Southern King Crab and Alaskan King Crab have their unique qualities. Southern King Crab meat is sweet and succulent with a slightly nutty flavor. The texture of the meat is also softer than Alaskan King Crab.
On the other hand, Alaskan King Crab meat is sweet and delicate with a slightly salty taste. The meat is firmer and has a chewy texture, making it ideal for grilling and frying.
Availability and Cost
One of the key differences between Southern King Crab and Alaskan King Crab is their availability and cost. Southern King Crab is primarily found in the southern hemisphere, making it less available in other parts of the world. This also makes it more expensive than Alaskan King Crab.
Alaskan King Crab, on the other hand, is widely available and is the most popular type of king crab in the market. The larger size of the Alaskan King Crab also makes it a more cost-effective option, with a higher meat yield compared to Southern King Crab.
Which One is Better?
When it comes to choosing between Southern King Crab and Alaskan King Crab, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both types of king crab have their unique qualities that make them worth trying.
If you prefer a softer, sweeter meat with a nutty flavor, Southern King Crab is your best bet. However, if you prefer a firmer, chewier meat with a slightly salty taste, then Alaskan King Crab is the way to go.
Whatever your choice may be, make sure you source your king crab from a reputable supplier to ensure you're getting fresh and high-quality seafood.
