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Among the choices a crabber gets to choose in the USA, the Dungeness crab vs snow crab is a more common one. This article will explain everything about that.
The selection of a crab species for crabbing is not a difficult one as different crab species love different regions. For example, the Dungeness crab species is more common in a fishing village in Washington State. When it comes to Snow crabs, they live in Alaska to northern Siberia. The selection of a crab species among more characteristics such as food or nay other is a thing that you have to do with great care. This article will deliver a deep explanation of that.
| Criteria taken to be considered | Dungeness crab | Snow Crab |
| Age | The average life span of a crab ranges from 8 years to 13 years. After gaining the maximum weight after 05 years, Dungeness crabs’ life span depends on the predators and the food availability. | The age expectancy of snow crabs is the highest. They can live up to 20 years in favorable conditions. According to crab experts, snow crabs have got a reduced metabolism due to their natural habitat, cold environments. However, the heat and the predators can decrease their age. |
| Size | Dungeness crab can grow up to 3 pounds within the first three years from birth. The length of the shell is grown up to 10 inches along with the increasing weight. | The average weight of a snow crab is 3 pounds. Although their shell’s maximum width is 6-8 inches, their flesh is heavier than Dungeness crabs. |
| Named after | They have been found in the Dungeness area in England which has been used to name them after. | “Snow” has been taken from the flesh color of snow crab. After cooking, its real snow-white color may appear. Also, they live in snow-falling areas which have not been the real reason to be named. Another name for them is the Queen Crab. That is due to their relationship with King Crab. |
| Found in | They are available mostly in the California region and Dungeness in England. | They can be mostly found in North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans where the temperature is lower than other places in the USA. |
| Taste | The sweet taste is one of the main features the consumers love to have. Along with the softened texture, the taste is highest in the Dungeness crab vs snow crab comparison. | The sweetness and the softened texture are not up to the level of Dungeness crabs. |
| Edible part | The body is the edible part of their bodies which are located right below the shell. Since the legs are thinner than other crabs, you will not be able to eat their legs. | They have thicker legs and thinner bodies under the shells which make those parts the consumable meat parts in the bodies. |
Here are more different characteristics that you may find between Dungeness crab vs snow crab
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Legs
The legs held by Dungeness crabs are thinner than many crab species. More importantly, they have thinner legs than snow crabs. If you are a person who wants crabs for food, you will have to go for snow crabs.
Since the reduced size of legs, the food content in their body is extremely low. It is usual to have a lot of meat in a bite if you consume snow crabs. When coming to snow crabs’ meat, they have long as well as thicker legs.
If you are looking for meat in a higher quantity, Dungeness crab will not be the choice you have got. Since the quantity you get is less than meat, you should go for Snow crab meat.
Consumed Part In Dungeness Crab Vs Snow Crab
As you know, the legs of the Dungeness crab are not filled with meat. It makes their body or the thorax is the favorite edible part of humans. Their flesh is delicious in the body as their legs contain only the thick skeleton. When it comes to the snow crabs, the flesh in their both legs and the body is edible. A consumer won’t have to struggle with the flesh as they can easily eat snow crabs.
Price
Dungeness crab is one of the most expensive meat types in the world. Although they are expensive and have a higher demand than any other crab species, the quantity customers get is less. When it comes to Snow crab, they don’t have a demand as much as Dungeness crabs have. Butt, the quality, and the quantity are higher in the meat. Therefore, it can be said that the price customers have to pay for both crab types is almost equal.
Where They Live
Snow crabs are usually found in North Atlantic and North Pacific regions. The temperature is one of the reasons for that. Since Snow crabs like to stay in cold waters, they tend to stick to the ocean most of the time. People who live in those areas have identified them as Queen Crabs.
That is due to their size and the flavor next to King Crab. Both crab species love to spend their time in the sea bed. Although Dungeness crabs are found in shallow water, you will have to travel into the sea to catch them. They have got their name, Snow Crab, due to their snow-colored meat, which has a moderate demand.
The Dungeness crab usually lives in California, Oregon, and Washington areas. Although they can be found in any part of the country, the temperature has been a clear reason to make their accommodations. Dungeness crabs have got their name due to their habitat, the Dungeness bay area in England. The most important thing about their habitat is they live closer to the beach. Even if they tend to move to the ocean, you may catch them using various techniques such as kayak crabbing.
If you are certain about finding them as a catching creature, you will find the Dungeness crabs in grass beds and ocean floors. Also, if the ocean bed is prepared using various particles such as wood, you will find them. Since the temperature will be at the optimum level, they prefer such locations. Usually, they refuse muddy conditions.
But, the nature of snow carbs has differed. They tend to stay in muddy conditions and even in freshwater situations up to some extent due to the reduced temperature. Other than that, sandy conditions and upper slopes are among their favorite states to live on.
Taste
Most people prefer to eat Dungeness crab over Snow crabs due to the sweet flavor in their flesh. However, the sweetness is not the only thing but the softened texture and the addictive color on their flesh. When comparing the Dungeness crab vs snow crab, the taste of the Snow crab is a bit rough.
According to professionals, snow crabs have a sweet, subtly briny flavor. The texture is not as softened as the Dungeness crab but a hardened flesh. It is important to note that the taste will be a delicious one. One of the factors that caused the reduced agitation is its color, having white flesh. Dungeness crabs win the contest over the taste in the overall tasty comparison.
Nutrition
The Dungeness crab is the one with fewer health benefits in the Dungeness crab vs snow crab comparison. It is a famous fork containing high proteins and B12 vitamins in its meat.
The nutritional value of these two types is specifically different from one to another. The Snow crabs contain higher nutrients than any other crab as a sure thing. Vitamin B-3, B-5, B-6, and copper are going to be the best gift they can deliver. Other than that, Vitamin c will ensure a healthy lifestyle without cold and similar effects in your daily life as well.
The content of copper and phosphorus has been a reason to have Snow crab meat recommended by doctors for nutritional deficiencies. It is important to remember that those who have cholesterol-related diseases must avoid Snow crab as they contain moderate amounts of cholesterol. However, if you don’t consume much often, that will not be a problem.
Commercial Cultivation
The comparison of Dungeness crab vs snow crab is nothing specific regarding the commercial cultivation or farming at the commercial level. Since these two types are having the highest value in the global market, they are cultivated commercially by various nations.
China is at the top of the list as they export to Asian, European, and US markets these two crab types. Since the US crabbing or even Kayak Crabbing has been found as a leisure time activity, the demand is a bit low. But, due to the regulations and the legal background, there are gaps between the demand and the consumption still.
Weight
The average weight of a Dungeness crab is about 02 pounds. But, more than 25% of its weight has to be reduced for having meat. The average size can be increased according to the area they are found a swell. It means, if they live in optimum conditions such as in temperate regions, without hunters, or atmospheric changes in the ocean, they can grow up to 2.5 or maximum up to 3 pounds.
When it comes to the Dungeness crab vs snow crab comparison, Snow carbs have a higher weight than Dungeness crabs. According to the highest weight, a Snow crab has been found with a weight of 4.7 pounds.
Their typical weight size ranges from 2 – 4 pounds. The weather condition and the territorial factors cause them to have increased or reduced weights. The most important factor is that Snow crabs have got a higher weight to meat ratio. More than 855 of their total weight is consumable.
Consumption
The consumption of Crabmeat is recommended to be followed in any preferred method. The steaming, dripping in sauce, and cooking are the best ways to enjoy the meat. But, it is not recommended to consume meat in raw form. Since the shell is attached to meat and can contain severe substances in the shell, raw consumption is not recommended. The boiling of crab for 20 minutes is suggested for those who want to have the sweet flavor of the food.
When coming to the Dungeness crab vs snow crab comparison, the snow crab, the meat can be used in any form. Although the flavor increases after steaming or boiling for more than 15 minutes, there are people who consume crabs in raw form as well.
If you consume it after cooking, you will have to be careful with its color-changing, coming from brown to white color. The legs are going to be the most delicious part of their body as you have been made aware previously.
Conclusion
Both Dungeness and Snow crab species are crucial in various factors under the Dungeness crab vs snow crab. Although these types can be found in various places in the world, there are certain places in the US for each species. They have been specifically, mentioned in the text as well. That will be useful to you either as a consumer or a person who’s interested in crabbing.
If you are a consumer, you will only have to be careful about the nutrition and the flavor-like factors. As a crabber, you need to be aware of their natural habitat, the methods of finding the crabs. Another thing you should remember as a crabber is that you have got the necessary certification from the authorities. The FAQ guide will help you more.
FAQ
Where can I find snow crabs and Dungeness crabs for crabbing?
Surely you will have to look at crabs in muddy or sandy areas for snow crabs. When it comes to Dungeness crabs, they will be available on sea bead without putting much effort to hide. Simply, the Dungeness crabs will be the easiest to be found.
Can I use kayak crabbing for catching these two crab species?
Kaya crabbing is a famous crabbing method in shallow water. You are free to find these two crab species in shallow water for sure. But, you should remember that snow crabs tend to live in deep water for facilitating a cold environment. Therefore, you must not exceed a depth of 12 feet in kayak crabbing.
What is the best crab species in the Dungeness crab vs snow crab comparison?
As the article has explained, every crab species is specific with different characteristics. If you prefer sweetness and soft texture, the Dungeness crab meat will be suitable. If you prefer price reduction and a few rough conditions at once, the snow crab will be better.
How much money will I have to pay for snow crab and Dungeness crab?
As you have already ready read the article on Dungeness crab vs snow crab, you know that Dungeness is the most expensive one. You will have to pay about $20 to $50 per pound when buying Dungeness meat. When it comes to snow crab that will be around $30 per pound. The [rice may increase due to the demand in seasonal markets.
Which crab species can I find in the coldest conditions?
That will obviously be the snow crab. They can tolerate the hardest cold weather conditions. According to crabbers’ experience, snow crabs tend to go on hunting even in eth freezing water.
