The meat of the bairdi crab is succulent and has a subtle flavor; it’s maybe the sweetest shellfish you’ve never heard of. Although this Alaskan mollusk isn’t as well-known as the enduringly well-liked king crab, it nonetheless merits recognition: This crab is among the most ethically and sustainably sourced that you can get right now. This article will examine two distinct species of crabs, the Opilio and Bairdi, both of which are members of the same family yet differ greatly from one another due to a few key characteristics.
What are Bairdi Crabs?
There are two species of snow crabs; the more common variety is called opilio crab, which is really sold as snow crab. Biardi is one of these species. Conversely, opilio crabs top out at about 2 1/2 pounds, whereas bairdi crabs grow to be larger and have sweeter-tasting meat. The Northern Pacific Ocean contains both.
Theresa Peterson, an active fisherman who lives in Kodiak, Alaska, and the head of fisheries policy at the Alaska Marine Conservation Council, says that you can find Alaska bairdi crab in stores labeled as snow, bairdi, or tanner crab.
Appearance
Eriocheir sinensis, the scientific name for the intriguing Bairdi crab, is a well-known crustacean that is well-known for its unique and alluring appearance. The Bairdi crab is distinguished by its thick, medium-sized carapace, which is colored an eye-catching olive-green or brownish hue and decorated with complex patterns and textures that help it blend in with its surroundings. The crab can effectively grasp and manipulate its prey due to the strength and serrated edge of its chelae, or claws. The delicate hairs covering the legs enhance their sensitivity and facilitate movement in wet settings. The enormous, bulbous eyes of the Bairdi crab, which have an extensive field of vision, are one of its most distinguishing characteristics. The Bairdi crab is an intriguing specimen in the world of crustaceans because of its overall look, which demonstrates a harmonic fusion of functional adaptations and aesthetic complexities.
Life History of Bairdi Crabs
During their final molt, or maturity molt, female Tanner crabs mate for the first time with adult males. A chemical attractant called a pheromone that the female crab releases attracts the male. As they reach sexual maturity, females molt and mate while still in their softshell, held by the male. Adult males mate with older hard-shelled females as well, but in the event that no male is available, the females can create an egg clutch using sperm that has been saved from an earlier mating. In a clutch, a female Tanner crab can lay anywhere from 85,000 to 424,000 eggs. Internal fertilization occurs, and the eggs are often ovulated (extruded) onto the female’s abdominal flap within 48 hours, where they are then incubated for a full year. The peak hatching period is typically from April to June, with hatching occurring late in the following winter and spring. Since this is often the height of the spring plankton bloom, the high food supply for the crab larvae corresponds with the hatching of eggs.
Habitats and species
Chionoecetes opilio and Chionoecetes Bairdi are the two kinds of snow crab that are collected from Alaska’s frigid Bering Sea waters. Both species can be found on the sandy and muddy bottom of the continental shelf and slope, where they burrow into the mud to protect themselves from predators and feed on creatures that live in the sediment. The smaller, more accessible of the two species, Opilio, often known as Opies or Queen crab, usually weighs between one and a half and two pounds. Due to their size and limited supply, Bairdi, also called Tanner crab, can weigh anywhere from three to five pounds. As a result, they are more expensive. Bairdi is regarded by many crabbers as the finest Alaskan crab due to its flavor, meat content, and easily cracked, thin shells.
It’s time to eat!
In Alaska, snow crab is cooked and quickly frozen as soon as it reaches the coast. To serve it cold, just thaw it overnight and rinse it. Crab can be softly warmed for a few minutes in the oven or on the grill if you want it spicy. Enjoy the minerals, low fat, and high protein content of Alaskan snow crab!
When Bairdi Crab Is in Season
Biardi crab is accessible frozen all year round, but the Alaskan bairdi snow crab fishery opens in January and usually runs through March or April, depending on the amount of the quota for that year. For sale, only mature male crabs are kept.
The 2022–2023 snow crab season was canceled by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, but it only affected opilio crab, not bairdi crab. 1. Given that the numbers of both of those crab populations have drastically decreased, the government has also canceled the red king crab season. Although the precise reason for the collapse of those fisheries is unknown, climate change is thought to be one of the most plausible culprits. 2. As of right now, purchasing and consuming Bairdi snow crab is the most ethical and sustainable choice because of its consistent population growth.
Where and How to Buy Bairdi Crab
Bairdi crab can be found in the frozen or seafood departments of your neighborhood grocery store. Retailers like Whidbey Island Seafood Company and Pike Place Fish Market via Goldbelly provide it for online ordering as well.
Petersen advises customers to make sure the crab is imported from Alaska and to search for Bairdi, snow, or tanner crabs at their local grocery shop. “Checking the origin of your crab and all seafood and ensuring it comes from Alaska guarantees it is wild and sustainable,” she claims. The large size of the Bairdi crab makes it unlikely that you will see a complete crab for sale. It is commonly offered for sale as clusters, which consist of four crab legs and one claw, or as crabmeat.
Health Benefits of Bairdi Crabs
Because of their high nutrient content, Bairdi crabs, or Eriocheir sinensis, as they are formally termed, provide numerous health benefits. Lean protein, which is necessary for muscle growth, repair, and general body maintenance, is abundant in these crustaceans. Bairdi crabs’ high protein content helps regulate appetite and encourages a sensation of fullness, making them beneficial for people trying to lose weight. Bairdi crabs are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which maintain healthy cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease, both of which are beneficial to cardiovascular health. Bairdi crabs are rich in vital minerals, including selenium, zinc, and copper, which boost immunity, promote wound healing, and maintain skin health in general. These crabs also have a high vitamin content, particularly B-vitamins like riboflavin and niacin, which are essential for energy metabolism and maintaining a healthy neural system. Eating Bairdi crabs also provides beneficial antioxidants that fight inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which lowers the risk of chronic illnesses. Thus, adding Bairdi crabs to a well-balanced diet can be a tasty and nourishing method to support general health and wellbeing. To ensure that the environmental impact is kept to a minimum, it is crucial to be aware of potential allergens, dietary restrictions, and sustainable sourcing procedures.
Nutrition
Eriocheir sinensis, the scientific name for Bairdi crabs, is a wonderful complement to a balanced diet due to its rich nutritional profile. These crustaceans are a great source of high-quality protein since they provide the essential amino acids needed for tissue repair, muscle growth, and general body upkeep. Bairdi crabs are also low in calories and saturated fat, which makes them a good option for anyone looking for a low-calorie, high-nutrient protein source. The omega-3 fatty acid content of Bairdi crabs, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is one of their most notable nutritional characteristics. The cardiovascular benefits of these omega-3 fatty acids are widely known; they improve heart health by lowering cholesterol, decreasing inflammation, and enhancing cardiovascular health overall. Moreover, brindi crabs supply vital minerals like selenium, a potent antioxidant that boosts immunity and shields cells from oxidative damage. Moreover, these crustaceans are rich in copper, zinc, and phosphorus—nutrients necessary for strong bones, a healthy immune system, and the proper operation of enzymes. All things considered, Bairdi crabs’ nutritional worth highlights their status as a filling and nutrient-dense seafood choice that can support a diet that is both well-rounded and health-conscious.