Can You Eat Crab Shell? The Surprising Truth Behind Consuming Crab Shells

Crab is one of the most beloved shellfish around the world. The sweet, succulent meat tucked away in those hard shells is to die for. But what about the shell itself? Is it merely something to crack open and discard? Or can you actually eat crab shells?

This may seem like an odd question to some After all, crab shells are hard and rigid – not exactly something that looks appetizing to bite into However, if prepared properly, crab shells can become an edible treat full of unique flavors and textures.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about eating crab shells. From how to prepare them to the potential health benefits, you’ll learn why these shells deserve a place on your plate.

Are Crab Shells Edible?

The short answer is yes crab shells are 100% edible. While not as tender as the meat crab shells can be consumed once cooked thoroughly to soften them up. The entire shell is edible, though some parts like the pincers may be too hard to enjoy.

Crab shells consist mainly of chitin, a type of fiber found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans. Though not digestible chitin passes through our system intact. When prepared properly crab shells offer a pleasant crunch and ocean-like brininess that enhances any dish.

So while crab meat takes center stage, don’t forget about the shells. They can transform from trash to treasure in the kitchen.

Preparing Crab Shells for Consumption

Of course, you can’t just bite right into a raw crab shell. They require some prep work to make them chewable, tasty, and digestible. Here are some tips:

• Clean shells thoroughly by scrubbing off any debris, barnacles, etc. Use a stiff brush if needed.

• Boil or steam shells for 15-20 minutes until they turn red. This cooks the shells and makes them easier to eat.

• For a softer texture, try baking shells at 300°F for 30 minutes after boiling. The dry heat draws out moisture.

• Remove any inedible parts like the gills, organs, eyes, and mouth. Focus on the main shell body.

• Consider crushing shells into smaller, bite-size pieces for easier eating.

• Season shells with salt, Old Bay, lemon, garlic, or other spices to boost flavor.

Proper cooking is key to softening the shells and improving texture. Don’t eat them totally raw and hard. With the right prep, you’ll be ready to enjoy this unique part of the crab.

Creative Ways to Eat Crab Shells

Once cooked, crab shells can be used in all sorts of appetizing ways. Here are some of our favorite methods:

• Make a crab shell powder to use as a seasoning. Grind up roasted shells in a food processor or blender. Sprinkle on seafood or use in place of salt.

• Mix pieces of baked crab shell into crab cakes, stuffing, or mac and cheese for added crunch.

• Fry soft-shell crab shells into tempura style fritters or crackers. The crispy shell pieces make a fun snack.

• Simmer shells into seafood stock, bisques, or gumbos to infuse briny flavor. Strain out pieces before serving.

• Bake stuffed crab shells by filling them with a mix of crabmeat, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.

• Garnish salads or soups with crunchy crab shell pieces. They add texture and ocean essence.

With creative cooking, crab shells can be used in place of croutons, bacon bits, or other fun toppings. Get innovative with these underutilized bits!

Potential Health Benefits of Eating Crab Shells

In addition to their tasty crunch, crab shells may also offer some healthy bonuses. Here are some of the potential health benefits:

• Fiber – The chitin in shells provides fiber that can improve digestion and regularity.

• Calcium – Crab shells supply a decent amount of bone-strengthening calcium.

• Anti-inflammatory – Research indicates the chitin in shells may have anti-inflammatory properties in the body.

• Prebiotic – Chitin acts as a prebiotic to feed probiotic bacteria in the gut. This enhances overall gut health.

While more research is still needed, the limited studies we have show promise for crab shell nutrition. At the very least, you’ll get a healthy dose of minerals by eating these ocean treats.

Are There Any Precautions With Eating Crab Shells?

Crab shells are generally safe to eat, but there are a few precautions to keep in mind:

• Allergies – Those with shellfish allergies should avoid crab shells, as they may trigger adverse reactions.

• Choking hazard – Eat shells slowly, chew thoroughly, and avoid large pieces to reduce chances of choking.

• Food-borne illness – Only eat fresh, properly cooked shells to avoid any food-borne pathogens.

• High cholesterol – Crab innards contain high cholesterol, so eating the guts/fatty parts is best limited. Stick to the main shell.

• Not too much – Eating moderate portions is best to see how your body handles the chitin fiber.

By keeping these warnings in mind and not overdoing it, crab shells can be relished safely along with the meat. Enjoy them as an occasional treat.

Crab Shell Etiquette – What’s the Proper Way to Eat Them?

If you want to enjoy crab shells properly, follow crab shell etiquette similar to how you’d eat the meat:

• Use nutcrackers, mallets, or a shellfish cracker to break open and peel shells. Remove meat first before eating shell pieces.

• Provide small shellfish forks or picks for pulling out meat and picking up shell pieces.

• Arrange cracked shells and shell pieces neatly on a plate or platter, not just in a pile on the table.

• Place an empty bowl on the table for discarded bits like innards, eyes, mouth parts, etc.

• Eat smaller shell pieces in bites, don’t just pop a whole half-shell in your mouth.

• Chew pieces thoroughly before swallowing to avoid choking.

• Use a seafood cocktail sauce, drawn butter, or lemon wedges as dips for shell pieces.

Follow these crab manners, and your shell feast will be sophisticated, not messy.

Global Cuisines That Eat Crab Shells

If you think eating crab shells seems unusual, you’ll be surprised to learn many cultures around the world consume them. Here are a few examples:

• In Japan, crab shells are used to make kani miso – a fermented paste used to flavor rice, noodles, and veggies.

• Chinese cuisine uses crab shells to make hearty stocks and healing bone broths, believed to have medicinal value.

• Spanish cooks grind crab shells into a powder called cangrejo to season rice dishes like paella.

• The Thai dish kao krieb contains crushed roasted crab shells that add a salty, umami pop to this rice porridge.

• Native American tribes like the Chinook and Chippewa traditionally used every part of crab, including baking and eating the shells.

• Indonesia has a spice blend called trasi made from fermented shrimp and crab shells, adding unique flavor to sambals.

As you can see, cultures worldwide have found delicious ways to savor crab shells. Americans are just now catching on to this sustainable cooking method.

Alternative Uses for Leftover Crab Shells

Instead of sending crab shells straight to the trash, consider these clever ways to use any leftovers:

• Make homemade shellfish stock by simmering shells in water with vegetables and herbs. Strain and use for soups, stews, and more.

• Use crushed shells as an abrasive cleaner for pots and pans. The natural scrubbing power removes stuck-on grime.

• Add whole or crushed shells to compost piles as a natural source of chitin and calcium for your soil.

• Scatter crushed shells around plants to deter slugs and snails. The rough, sharp texture deters garden pests.

• Craft decorative items like candle holders, wind chimes, or picture frames using whole crab shells.

Before throwing shells away, explore opportunities to repurpose these gifts from the sea. Get creative with crab’s natural bounty.

Can You Eat Other Crustacean Shells Too?

The shells of other crustaceans like shrimp, lobster, and crawfish are also edible. Here are some quick facts:

• Shrimp shells can be eaten fried or baked as a crispy snack. Their mild flavor complements many dishes.

• Lobster shells have a heartier taste. Use them for stocks, bisques, stuffing mixes, or grind into a seasoning.

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