Dungeness crabs are an iconic symbol of the western coastline and a staple of Puget Sound cuisine. They are renowned for their sweet, mild taste, and tender body meat. They are also known by their scientific name, Metacarcinus magister, which means “master crab.” They are harvested using sustainable methods using low-bycatch pots. They are often processed on the same day they are caught.
To eat Dungeness crab, you can boil it whole or steam it. To steam it, place the crab in salted water for about 15 minutes. Then, place the crab in a steaming basket and steam for about 7 to 8 minutes per pound. You can then use the cooked meat to make stews, bisques, and crab cakes. It can also be used in pasta dishes or baked crab preparations.
Dungeness crabs are found throughout the waters of Washington. Their main habitats are coastal estuaries and inland waters. Their life cycle involves habitat change, and they use different habitats as they mature. During their larval and juvenile stages, they live in mixed sand and gravel areas with algae and eelgrass. Adults, on the other hand, prefer subtidal habitats.
The habitat of the Dungeness crab is extremely diverse. Their natural habitats range from the Aleutian Islands to the Pacific coast. They prefer a sandy, muddy bottom in seawater, and they also live in estuaries and shallow bays. Although they live in salty waters, they sometimes come to land to rest on beaches. Their diet includes worms, small clams, mussels, and fish.