To keep them fresh, hairy crabs need to be kept in a refrigerator at low temperature and moisturized.
Hairy crab is a seasonal ingredient, and its preservation method is very important to maintain its freshness and taste. Hairy crabs are best stored in a low-temperature environment. It is generally recommended to store them in an environment of 5-10 degrees Celsius. You can use a refrigerator or freezer. If the temperature is too high, the crab will easily deteriorate, while if the temperature is too low, the crab meat will be damaged.
Hairy crabs like a humid environment, so they need to maintain a certain humidity during storage. You can put some wet paper towels or salt water in the storage container to maintain appropriate humidity.
If you buy multiple hairy crabs, it is best to separate them into separate packages for storage. It is best to pack each hairy crab in a separate container, either a transparent plastic bag or a sealed box. This not only facilitates storage, but also avoids damage caused by collisions between crab bodies.
You need to ensure the freshness of the crabs before storing them. When purchasing, they should be vigorous, their shells should be intact, and they should be heavy. After purchasing, if any dead or damaged crabs are found, they should be removed immediately to avoid affecting other crabs.
Precautions when purchasing hairy crabs
1. Appearance inspection: The shell surface of high-quality hairy crabs is smooth and hard, with a bright orange-red or brown color, and no obvious damage, cracks or spots. . The shell surface should be intact and should not be excessively worn or deformed.
2. Judgment of vitality: When purchasing, observe whether the crab is energetic. Live crabs usually have obvious reactions, including movement of their claws and slight twisting of the body, while dead crabs do not have this mobility.
3. Feeling of weight: When you pick up the crab with your hands, you will feel the weight. Fresh hairy crabs are fatter, heavier, and have strong shell bones.
4. Taste and smell: Fresh hairy crabs should exude a seafood aroma without any peculiar smell or fishy smell. You can get close to the crab and smell it. If there is any unpleasant smell, it may mean that the crab has gone bad.
5. Purchase channels: Choose a store or market with a good reputation and guaranteed hygiene to make sure the crabs are freshly slaughtered.
6. Seasonal selection: Hairy crabs are seasonal ingredients and are more plump in autumn (generally August to November). Try to buy during the purchasing season to get better quality and taste.