The unique taste of Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs is endowed by geographical location and natural conditions. First, Yangcheng Lake is the closest lake to the estuary along the migration route of hairy crabs at the Yangtze River estuary. The water depth is only 1.5-2 meters. Pictures of Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs show clear water, lush aquatic grasses, a large water surface, and excellent natural conditions. Second, the abundant aquatic grasses in the lake not only provide rich food for the hairy crabs but also polish their abdominal shells to be white and crystalline; while the hard-packed mud at the bottom of the lake provides a good exercise ground for the hairy crabs. Exercising on the lake bottom, which is like iron plate sand, makes their four legs strong and powerful, and their meat more elastic and sweet in flavor. Therefore, Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs have earned the reputation of "the king of crabs". Nowadays, with the rapid development of crab farming, the dominant position of Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs is quietly changing, and the secrets of Yangcheng Lake have evolved into the ecological conditions of Yangcheng Lake for breeding high-quality hairy crabs. As people become increasingly picky about fine food, an ordinary hairy crab may not even catch their eye. They would rather eat Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs. Hairy crabs produced in Yangcheng Lake have enjoyed the highest praise since ancient times. After steaming, they reach the pinnacle of color, aroma, and taste, unmatched by crabs from other lakes. To enjoy the best Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs, the first step is, of course, to choose authentic Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs.
How to select authentic Yangcheng Lake clear water hairy crabs? The physical characteristics of Yangcheng Lake clear water hairy crabs are: green back, white belly, yellow hair, golden claws, and robust body.
Green back: The back of Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs is shiny green, fresh, and semi-transparent. When cooked, it turns pure red, red in a beautiful way, different from the gray color of crabs from other lakes, which are dark and soil-colored, turning light red when cooked, with a hint of gray.
White belly: The belly of Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs is white, with a lustrous sheen, giving a water-bright jade-like aesthetic (with the growth of aquaculture and ecological crab farming, aquatic plants such as water chestnuts have been introduced into the lake, so some crabs may have darker backs and bellies, which is a normal phenomenon).
Yellow hair: The bristles on the pincers and the hairs on the claws of Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs are yellow. Male crabs have dense and soft bristles without soil residue. The claw hairs are clean and yellow. Crabs from other lakes have muddy-colored hairs and are not clean.
Golden claws: The tips of the claws of Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs are smoke-silk golden yellow. Crabs from other lakes do not have obvious golden yellow at the claw tips.
Robust body: Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs are robust, solid, and sturdy, with two strong pincers and eight powerful legs. Placed on glass, they can support themselves and move freely. Compared to crabs from other lakes, crabs of the same size from Yangcheng Lake weigh much more.
In addition, there are many other considerations for authentic Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs:
One calculation: Female crabs are suitable for consumption in the ninth lunar month when they have plenty of roe; male crabs are suitable in the tenth lunar month when they are full of fat and meat.
Two weight estimation: Turn the crab over so its belly is facing up. A good crab will quickly flip itself back over.
Three observation: Choose old crabs and discard young ones. Old crabs are black with a bluish sheen and shine, with no mixed mud on the surface, long and straight leg hair, thick and solid bodies, and iron-spotted bellies, with firm crab legs. If the belly shines, it's a young crab.
Four touch: Gently touch the eyes, and the large crab claw should respond quickly; pull a leg, and it should retract immediately.
Five flipping: Heavier ones are fatter, lighter ones have less meat.
Six placement: Place the crab on the ground, and one that moves nimbly is a sturdy crab.
Finally, let's talk about whether female or male crabs are better. Generally, people think that female hairy crabs are the best to eat, but actually, female crabs are fattest from October to November, and after mid-November, male crabs are better. At this time, the fat content in male crabs is no less than in female crabs, and it is even more fragrant and tender (to determine if the crabs are fatty, just pinch the crab legs to see if they are sturdy).