Frozen Whole Swimming Crab

Thin-shelled, heavy for its size, and full of sweet meat that turns bright orange the moment it meets heat. The shell is soft enough to crack with a spoon, which is exactly why this is the crab to serve at a table full of people rather than to a single plated guest.

What It Is

Blue swimming crab, sold whole and cleaned with claws and legs attached. The gills and apron are removed before freezing; the shell, claws and body meat are left intact.

Where It Comes From

Trap-caught in the shallow coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific and frozen within hours of landing, rather than shipped live on ice. Freezing at that point is what keeps the meat sweet and separate instead of watery.

Specifications

• Cut: whole, cleaned, claws and legs on
• Net weight: 2 kg per box
• Grading: sorted for even shell width before freezing
• Shell: blue-green raw, turns orange-red when cooked
• Meat: firm, sweet, fills the body cavity

Condition on Arrival

Raw and frozen solid, packed in a sealed box with gel ice and an insulated liner. Shells should be intact and the legs still attached, with no ice crystals forming inside the packaging.

Storage

Keep at -18 C or colder. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then cook the same day. Do not thaw in water: the shell takes on water and the meat turns bland.

Shelf Life and Cold Chain

Best before 18 months from the production date on the box. Do not refreeze after thawing. Held frozen from landing to delivery.

How to Cook It

Steam whole for twelve to fifteen minutes and serve with a ginger and black vinegar dip. For pepper crab, crack the shells at the joints, fry in a wok with crushed black pepper and butter, then finish with a splash of stock. For curry, simmer in a coconut and spice base for ten minutes so the meat takes on the sauce. Whichever route you take, cook it through: the shell should be fully orange-red and the meat opaque right to the centre.

Allergens and Compliance

Contains crustaceans. Packed in a facility that also handles fish and molluscs. Not suitable for anyone with a shellfish allergy. This is a food product and no health, medical or nutritional claim is made for it.