**How to Cook and Pick Blue Crabs: A Simple Guide**
We are Midwesterners and were clueless about crabbing but wanted to take advantage of the bounty right outside our door at Easthaven. If you are anything like us, here’s a straightforward guide to help you through each step:
### **Cooking Blue Crabs**
1. **Prepare Your Pot**
- Use a crab pot (we provide one) with a lid. Fill it with enough water to cover the crabs and bring it to a boil.
- Season the water with Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Adding a splash of vinegar or beer can enhance the flavor.
2. **Add the Crabs**
- Carefully place the crabs into the boiling water. Be cautious of splashing.
- Cook the crabs in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
3. **Boil the Crabs**
- Once the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-high. Boil the crabs for about 15-20 minutes until they turn a bright orange color and the meat becomes opaque.
4. **Cool the Crabs**
- Remove the crabs from the pot and transfer them to a bowl or tray to cool. An ice bath can help cool them down quickly if needed.
### **Picking Blue Crabs**
1. **Remove the Top Shell**
- Place the cooked crab on its back. Gently pry off the top shell (carapace) and discard it.
- Remove the gills and any inedible parts from the body.
2. **Clean the Crab**
- Rinse the crab under cold water to remove any remaining shell fragments and debris.
3. **Extract the Meat**
- Use a crab pick or a small fork to pull out the meat from the crab’s body. Start with the claws and legs, then move to the body.
- Be careful to check for and remove any small bits of shell.
4. **Crack the Claws and Legs**
- Use a crab cracker or mallet to crack the claws and legs to access the meat. For the legs, a small fork can help extract the meat.
5. **Serve the Crab Meat**
- Place the picked crab meat in a bowl or on a plate, ready to be enjoyed or used in recipes.
### **Tips**
- **Use the Right Tools**: Proper tools like crab crackers, picks, and seafood scissors can make the picking process easier.
- **Adjust the Seasoning**: Customize the seasoning in the cooking water to match your taste preferences.
Following these steps will help you cook and pick blue crabs effectively, ensuring a delicious meal with minimal hassle.