Mitten crab
Eriocheir sinensis · Seafood
Top 10 pairings
The Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is a medium-sized, catadromous freshwater crab named for the dense mat of dark hair on its claws, which looks like a pair of mittens. In China it is the celebrated autumn "hairy crab" (dazha xie), prized above all for the rich, golden roe and creamy fat of mature females and the milt of males rather than for muscle meat.
Picking a good onedrag
Just landed, legs kickingOff: dead, limp, ammonia smell
LivelyBuy itCook it through, to 145°F (63°C). Never eat it raw or drunken: a wine or brine cure is not cooking, and can pass on lung fluke.
Touch a legLegs move freely when touched
SmellMild and faintly earthy