March 9th marks the annual celebration of National Crabmeat Day, a day dedicated to honoring the delectable meat found within crabs. Crabmeat, renowned for its soft, delicate, and sweet flavor, holds a prominent place in various global cuisines. Brown crab, blue crabs, blue swimming crabs, and red swimming crabs are among the most commercially available crabmeats worldwide. In the United States, crab meat is presented in diverse forms, depending on the crab's body part and size. Notably, imitation crab meat, crafted from surimi fish, has gained popularity in the U.S. due to the labor-intensive nature of extracting fresh crab meat. It is commonly used in American sushi. Crabmeat enthusiasts can savor this seafood favorite in dishes such as crab cocktails, crab cakes, pasta, risotto, gazpacho, or eggs benedict. National Crabmeat Day is a delightful occasion for fans to celebrate and indulge in the goodness of their favorite seafood.

Types of Crabmeat

Crabmeat comes from various species of crabs, each with its own unique flavor and texture. The following are some of the most common types of crabmeat:

1. Blue Crab:

   • Blue crab is one of the most popular types of crab in the United States, especially in the Chesapeake Bay region. It is known for its sweet, tender meat. Blue crabmeat is available in different grades, including jumbo lump (large, whole pieces of meat), backfin (smaller pieces), and claw meat (darker and more flavorful).

2. Dungeness Crab:

   • Dungeness crab is a West Coast favorite, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. It has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and a firm texture. Dungeness crabmeat is often used in salads, crab cakes, and crab rolls.

3. King Crab:

   • King crab is prized for its large, thick legs and rich, succulent meat. It is often considered the most luxurious of all crab varieties and is commonly served as a standalone dish or in high-end seafood dishes. King crabmeat is typically sweeter and more delicate than other types of crabmeat.

4. Snow Crab:

   • Snow crab is another popular type of crab, known for its long, slender legs and sweet, slightly briny meat. Snow crab is often used in crab legs dishes, crab salads, and crab bisques. The meat is typically tender and flaky.

5. Stone Crab:

   • Stone crab is famous for its large, meaty claws, which are harvested sustainably by returning the crabs to the ocean after one claw is removed. The meat is tender, sweet, and often served chilled with mustard sauce.

Popular Crabmeat Dishes

Crabmeat is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Some of the most popular crabmeat dishes include:

1. Crab Cakes:

   • Crab cakes are a classic dish made from a mixture of crabmeat, breadcrumbs, eggs, mayonnaise, and seasonings, formed into patties and typically pan-fried or baked. They are often served with a side of remoulade or tartar sauce.

2. Crab Bisque:

   • Crab bisque is a rich, creamy soup made with crabmeat, heavy cream, butter, and a blend of aromatic vegetables and seasonings. The soup is often finished with a splash of sherry for added depth of flavor.

3. Crab Salad:

   • Crab salad is a refreshing dish made with crabmeat, mayonnaise, celery, onions, and sometimes other ingredients like avocado, corn, or tomatoes. It can be served on a bed of lettuce, as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, or as a topping for crackers.

4. Crab Legs:

   • Steamed or boiled crab legs are a simple and popular way to enjoy crabmeat. The legs are typically served with melted butter and lemon wedges for dipping.

5. Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms:

   • Crab-stuffed mushrooms are a popular appetizer made by filling mushroom caps with a mixture of crabmeat, breadcrumbs, cream cheese, and seasonings, then baking them until golden and bubbly.

6. Crab Dip:

   • Crab dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer made with crabmeat, cream cheese, sour cream, and a blend of spices. It is often baked until hot and served with crackers, bread, or vegetables for dipping.

7. Crab Rangoon:

   • Crab Rangoon is a popular American-Chinese appetizer made by filling wonton wrappers with a mixture of crabmeat, cream cheese, and seasonings, then deep-frying them until crispy.

Significance of National Crabmeat Day

National Crabmeat Day holds significance for several reasons:

1. Celebrating Seafood:

   • The day is dedicated to celebrating crabmeat, one of the most beloved types of seafood. It encourages people to enjoy the delicate, sweet flavors of crabmeat and to explore the many ways it can be prepared.

2. Supporting the Seafood Industry:

   • National Crabmeat Day highlights the importance of the seafood industry, particularly in coastal regions where crabbing is a significant economic activity. The day also promotes sustainable seafood practices, ensuring that crab populations are preserved for future generations.

3. Encouraging Culinary Creativity:

   • The day encourages home cooks and chefs to get creative in the kitchen by trying new crabmeat recipes or experimenting with different types of crabmeat. It’s an opportunity to showcase culinary skills and share delicious crab dishes with others.

4. Promoting Health Benefits:

   • Crabmeat is a nutritious food that is high in protein, low in fat, and rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. National Crabmeat Day promotes the health benefits of including crabmeat in a balanced diet.

How to Celebrate National Crabmeat Day

There are many ways to celebrate National Crabmeat Day, whether you’re cooking at home or dining out:

1. Cook a Crabmeat Dish at Home:

   • Celebrate the day by preparing a crabmeat dish at home. Whether you make classic crab cakes, a creamy crab bisque, or a simple crab salad, enjoy the satisfaction of cooking with fresh crabmeat.

2. Dine at a Seafood Restaurant:

   • If you prefer to let the professionals handle the cooking, visit a local seafood restaurant and order a crabmeat dish. Many restaurants feature special crab dishes on National Crabmeat Day, offering a great opportunity to indulge in this delicacy.

3. Try a New Recipe:

   • Use National Crabmeat Day as an opportunity to try a new crabmeat recipe. Explore different cuisines and cooking styles, or experiment with new flavors and ingredients to create a unique crab dish.

4. Host a Crab Feast:

   • Gather friends and family for a crab feast, featuring steamed crab legs, crab cakes, crab dip, and other crabmeat dishes. Serve with sides like corn on the cob, coleslaw, and garlic bread for a complete meal.

5. Learn About Sustainable Crabbing:

   • Take some time to learn about sustainable crabbing practices and the importance of preserving crab populations. Support local and sustainable seafood markets and consider choosing crabmeat that is certified by organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council.

6. Share on Social Media:

   • Share your National Crabmeat Day celebrations on social media. Post photos of your crab dishes, share recipes, or write about your favorite way to enjoy crabmeat. Use hashtags like #NationalCrabmeatDay to connect with other seafood enthusiasts.

7. Explore Different Types of Crabmeat:

   • If you’re a fan of crabmeat, use the day to explore different types of crabmeat, such as blue crab, Dungeness crab, or king crab. Compare the flavors and textures, and discover new favorites.

Fun Facts About Crabmeat

• Crab as a Delicacy: In many cultures, crab is considered a delicacy and is often served at special occasions and celebrations, such as weddings and holidays.

• Crabbing Industry: The United States is one of the largest producers of crab, with the Chesapeake Bay and the Gulf of Mexico being major crabbing regions.

• Crab Butter: The yellow or greenish substance found in crabs is known as crab butter or tomalley. It is the crab’s liver and pancreas and is considered a delicacy by some, especially in dishes like crab bisque.

• Crab Claws: In addition to crabmeat, crab claws are also a popular seafood item. Stone crab claws, in particular, are prized for their sweet, tender meat and are harvested sustainably.

Conclusion

National Crabmeat Day is a celebration of one of the most delicious and versatile types of seafood. Whether you’re enjoying a classic crab dish, trying a new recipe, or dining at a seafood restaurant, this day offers an opportunity to savor the rich flavors and tender texture of crabmeat. By supporting sustainable seafood practices and sharing your love of crabmeat with others, you can fully embrace the spirit of National Crabmeat Day and enjoy this delectable delicacy.