Even though it has Chinese origins, the crab is known all over the world and not only because of the recipes with which it can be cooked. It is an animal whose habits and characteristics are interesting to know and we also find it protagonist of various sayings, not only Italian ones. If you thought you knew this crustacean well, you will change your mind after this article.
Crab: characteristics
I bet that few people know that the scientific name of this animal is Brachyura . It is a crustacean that lives mainly in water and, regardless of the family to which it belongs, is characterized by the presence of a robust carapace and two claws positioned close to the front legs. Crabs are able to live in both salt and fresh water, they are intelligent animals and know how to get by.
Today there are 43 super families of this crustacean, different in shape, size and habits, they live all over the world but we can consider this animal as native to China. Looking at it better we try to describe it, most of its bulk is made up of the carapace that gives it a more robust appearance than ever. After all it is its protection but it does not appear excessive or deforming, on the contrary, it integrates well with the rest of the organism and the general appearance of the animal is harmonious . Graceful would be a bit exaggerated, because there are certainly more attractive animals.
The crab “under” the carapace, semi-hidden, also has vertically folded abdominals while the two front claws are clearly visible . They are its main tool both when it comes to feeding and defending itself. They are certainly not the only legs it has, it has others that are used mainly for swimming and walking, even laterally. Let’s not underestimate their importance because they allow this not so huge animal to travel even several kilometers in a single day.
We have not yet addressed the chromatic aspect , difficult because passing from one superfamily to another, and there are 43, the colors vary a lot, also taking into account that some specimens live in fresh water, others in salt water. We can therefore summarize the possible colors by contemplating all the shades that go from purple to white.
Crab: types
There are different types of crabs, defined as “an infraorder of predominantly aquatic decapod crustaceans “. We can say that most of the known species are nocturnal, due to the fact that by staying up late they have less chance of encountering potential predators. The numerous types of crabs that we can encounter also differ due to their diet, which can include animals, plants, or even carcasses.
In turn, crabs, as many of us know, are also edible, in general, although in fact for those who love this food, there are species and species. There are some particularly valuable, such as the spider crab ( Maja squinado ), while others are more affordable and a little less exceptional in taste.
Beyond the types of crabs that exist around the world, each with its own personality, let’s try to question the meaning that this animal has assumed in various disciplines. Let’s start from heraldry where it represents the seriousness of ways and thoughts, it is usually found in black and positioned so that the head is up.
In astrology, almost everyone knows that it is the symbol of the zodiac sign of Cancer, and even entering the linguistic sphere, one comes across a rather common saying. “ Pressing a crab ”, in Italian, indicates having made a gross mistake. Fewer people, however, know that in Spanish “thinking about the immortality of the crab” means “daydreaming”.
From linguistics to literature the step is short, and we find crabs among the characters of the famous Greek poem entitled Batrachomyomachia (The War of the Mice and Frogs). Their intervention is decisive because they reverse the fortunes of the battle by destroying the mice and giving victory to the frogs. Perhaps some of you, instead of the original version of this poem, know the one by our Giacomo Leopardi in which the crabs represent the Austrians.
Crab: curiosities
Before going to snoop on what crabs eat and how we eat them, let’s reveal some indiscretions about this animal with a large carapace, combative, master of camouflage and used to working in groups. And its reproduction? It produces eggs that it places under its tail, when the larvae hatch they let themselves be carried by the current and are very small: they exceed 3 mm only after 9 months. Over the years, male specimens can weigh up to 20 kg and have a diameter of 35-40 cm.
Crab: what does it eat?
As mentioned before, crabs have a very varied diet that also includes carcasses, larvae and worms, in addition to very common plants. The “most omnivorous ” species are those that live in the tropics.
Crab: recipes
After seeing how the crab eats, let’s see how we can eat it, being very careful not to confuse its pulp with surimi , which are sticks of minced fish pulp (usually cod) dyed with food color. They differ in flavor but also in nutritional value.
We find various recipes based on crab also in Italy, as well as Portugal and Spain. If we take a trip to the Basque Country we can taste delicious pintxos (tapas) with crab meat while in Portugal this shell is enjoyed in a typical soup called cataplana . Beyond the typical recipes of the territorial tradition, we can find crab as an ingredient in salads and soups, but also in tagliatelle with crab meat, a tasty and nutritious first course. If you have never tried them I also recommend the meatballs and canapés stuffed with crabs.