Losing Claws

[Swamp]

I know this was a topic before a year or two ago, but I'd like a refresher course.

When I steam my crabs, there is invariably a large number of loose claws mixed in with the crabs. I know when I put the crabs in the steamer, they all had their claws, so what happened?

I recall someone saying that crabs "release" their claws when stressed (ie, steaming). I also recall some saying that a way to prevent this was to submerge the crabs in an ice bath prior to steaming.

True?

Thanks.

[Slipsinker]

I've also heard that if you kill them with an ice pick between the eyes works. Never tried either, to much in a hurry to get them steamed and on the table.[grin] It would be nice to have the claws on when I have company over though.

[castnblast]

If you kill the crabs or ice them first they won't lose the claws. I ice the crabs and once they slow down, I clean them before I cook them. It's a lot less mess at the table and easier pickins for the kids. I don't really care for the mustard anyway. I guess I'll never be a true SMIB.

[Bob H.]

You can stun the crabs with an ice pick. Stick at back fin and scrap the tip across the underside of the shell.

[mike2u]

They lose there claws as a defense against predators.

[rj]

Stun them before steaming and they will not drop their claws
either ice water bath or an Ice pick will work,,I use an ice pick,
Bob H. has the right technique, insert the ice pick into the soft cartilage by the backfin, and as you withdraw the ice pick scrape the tip of the ice pick along the bottom shell, the crab will immediatly relax,

[Choptank Rob]

In my younger day I used to manage a seafood resturant and wholesale seafood company. We used to buy 100 to 200 baskets of crabs a day. We always gave them a 30 minute ice bath and this was the most effective way to keep the claws on. We had to do it for the resturant and catering side of the business. People didn't want crabs that didn't have claws. Now, when I go out and catch my crabs I give them an ice bath in a large igloo cooler. Works everytime. Hell, gives me more time to drink a couple of beers!!!!

[crow]

Shock them , it relaxes them and the claws willstay on .

[Amun Re]

yeah put them in a cooler and dump some ice on top of them. Thats what I've been doing for years. Figure I get home from crabbing about 2 most of the time. I ice em down when i get home for about and hour or 2 while I'm floating in the pool relaxing for a while. then i steam them up. never have loose claws in the pot.

[Burchbeer]

ICE the F88ckers!

I do, No claws come off!

Do what ya wantta do tho!