The full, succulent flavor and delicate texture of freshly caught and cooked crabs bear little resemblance to the paler and often drier taste of frozen crab. Storing fresh or live crabs overnight helps retain some of that just-caught freshness when done correctly. Fresh crabs need only be placed in the coldest part of the refrigerator with a sealed bag of ice on top. Keeping fresh, live crabs overnight requires a little careful planning, but proper storage helps ensure the freshest taste and prevents dangerous bacteria from developing.
Step 1
Place your crabs into a ventilated container. Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the container without completely submerging the crabs.
Step 2
Place a clean, damp towel on top of the crabs. This can get tricky if they are alive and agitated, so it helps to have another person to help get the towel in the container while helping to corral any strays.
Step 3
Layer sealed plastic bags full of ice on top of the wet towel. Loose ice will melt and possibly drown live crabs.
Step 4
Put the lid on the container and place it in a cool spot out of the reach of curious pets or young children.
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References
Tips
- Change the water once or twice during the night and immediately move any crabs that die to the coldest part of the refrigerator to help ensure that the crabs stay as fresh as possible.
Warnings
- Never store crabs in an unventilated container or water deep enough to completely cover them or they will suffocate or drown.
Writer Bio
Brynne Chandler raised three children alone while travelling, remodeling old homes, taking classes at the Unioversity of California Northridge and enjoying a successful career writing TV Animation. Her passions include cooking, tinkering, decorating and muscle cars. Brynne has been writing fun and informative non-fiction articles for almost a decade. She is hard at work on her first cookbook, which combines healthy eating with science-based natural remedies.
Photo Credits
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