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Differences between spider crab and crab
Spider crab and crab are two delicious crustaceans with a strong taste of the sea. But do you really know the difference?
European spider crab
The spider crab is a large crustacean that lives on the rocky coasts of northern Spain and much of the Mediterranean Sea. The female spider crab is called the spider crab.
Their diet consists of algae, mollusks, and other small animals found along the coast. They typically measure between 10 and 20 centimeters , with males being larger than females.
One of the curious things about the spider crab is that it is a migratory animal and when autumn arrives it can travel dozens of kilometers.
It is highly valued for its white and tasty meat , especially in Galician cuisine.
Crab
The crab is a crustacean very similar to the spider crab, which lives on the coasts of the Cantabrian, Mediterranean and Northern Seas.
At first glance, it's a very robust crustacean, with a large carapace that can reach up to 25 centimeters in length and weigh up to 3 kilograms when fully grown . Like its appearance, the crab's meat is quite firm and very flavorful.
To differentiate a male or female brown crab, we only have to look at its shape. The male has a narrower shell, darker colors, and more robust claws than the female.
It is very popular in Spanish gastronomy, especially in Galicia, the area where it is most often caught, and where they know how to prepare Galician spider crab with a greater variety of recipes.
Difference between spider crab and crab
Most people can't tell the difference between spider crab and brown crab at first glance, and have even thought they're the same animal. This is due to some similarities in their appearance or because they live in the same area.
Below we will explain the difference between spider crab and crab and what we should keep in mind before buying them:
- Size: A crab is larger in size and weight than a spider crab, which means it has more meat inside.
- Shell: The shell of the spider crab is very characteristic because it is oval and covered in spines, while the crab has a more rounded and smooth shell.
- Color: The crab has darker shades such as very dark red or brown, while the spider crab predominates in a deeper, lighter red.
- Flavor and texture: Spider crab meat is more tender and juicy than crab meat, which is more fibrous. Furthermore, spider crab's flavor is milder, while crab's has a more intense flavor.
- Price: The price difference between spider crab and crab varies depending on the season, but spider crab is generally more expensive than crab due to its larger size and the fishing season.
- Seasons: Since spider crabs reproduce in winter and crabs in spring and summer, the availability of the product varies each season, and consequently so does its price.
Which is better, crab or spider crab?
There is no single crustacean that is better than another, nor is it a question of choosing spider crab or crab, as both shellfish have excellent flavor and are constantly used in Spanish cuisine.
It's not as simple as asking ourselves, "Which is more expensive, spider crab or brown crab?" and deciding that the one with the higher price is better.
If we look at the economic differences between crab and spider crab, the former weighs more, has more meat, and offers excellent value for money. Spider crab, on the other hand, has a much higher price.
Still, each person has a different taste, and there are different ways to cook them, such as boiling spider crab and crab, grilling them, or even combining them.
We recommend you try our cooked crab, ready to open and serve, or buy it raw and prepare it with Albariño wine or with a soupy rice dish, which is fantastic.
