Discovering Snow Crab
Snow crab is a local seafood delicacy worth knowing about. Its fine, fibrous meat is easy to shred, with a mild, slightly sweet flavour that’ll delight your taste buds. Make the most of the season and learn more about this refined shellfish, as well as get inspired by our recipes.
Frozen vs. Fresh
Snow crab is available year-round. It can be found cooked and frozen in sections (known as clusters) in the frozen food aisle, and its frozen meat is also sold in bags or cans. To enjoy it fresh and appreciate its delicate texture to the fullest, it’s ideal to wait for the spring season.
Spring Fishing
Weather conditions determine the start of the fishing season. It begins earlier, around late March to early April , in southern coastal areas where the climate is mild. The faster the temperature rises, the sooner the ice melts. The season ends between late June and early July. Further north, the fishing season goes from May until August.
Inspiring Recipes
Melted butter with lemon is a simple yet classic pairing that enhances the crab’s subtle flavours. Its meat can be enjoyed in salads or comforting, indulgent gratins. It’s also great in:
Pasta
● Snow Crab and Pasta with Homemade Pesto
Fresh, cooked snow crab clusters are unmatched when it comes to enhancing a plate of homemade pesto pasta. It’s a simple recipe that allows you to appreciate the delicate crabmeat.
Try: Snow Crab and Pasta with Homemade Pesto
Sauces
● Crab Imperial in Shells
Crabmeat added to a creamy blend forms the base of this festive recipe. Divide the mixture into ramekins and sprinkle with a panko breadcrumb topping before placing it in the oven. It’s delectable and great for sharing.
Try: Crab Imperial in Shells
Sushi
● Crab, Pear and Smoked Duck Sushi Burger from Geneviève Everell
In this recipe, crabmeat is combined with duck breast and mayonnaise. It creates a creamy filling that’s divided between two fried nori sheets. It’s a chic meal, sure to impress your guests.
Crab, Pear and Smoked Duck Sushi Burger from Geneviève Everell
Try: Crab, Pear and Smoked Duck Sushi Burger from Geneviève Everell
To learn more about snow crab, read this article: Snow crab
Three Things to Know About Snow Crab Fishing
1. Snow crab fishing began in the late 1960s in the St. Lawrence Estuary and Gulf, by fishermen from Gaspésie and New Brunswick. Today, supply management falls under the responsibility of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
2. In the cold waters of the estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence, snow crabs are caught using baited traps at depths ranging from 50 to over 200 metres. Only male crabs with a shell width of at least 95 mm are fished.
3. Snow crabs grow through successive moults, as do all crustaceans. They shed their shell and expand by absorbing water, which gives volume to their new shell. When freshly moulted, their shell is pale, earning them the nickname “white crabs.” These can be released back into the water for reproduction and sustainability.