What is a blue crab?

Blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) is a seafood product that occupies an important place in the natural cycle of the seas and is highly valued for its taste. Below you will find detailed information about Blue crab:

What is a blue crab?

The blue crab is a hard-shelled marine animal that lives mainly on the coasts of the Aegean Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea.

How to catch blue crabs?

1. Nets and traps:

• Specially designed traps or nets are usually used to catch blue crabs. These traps are filled with bait and thrown into the sea.

• Cancers use these baits to enter the traps but are prevented from getting out.

2. Manual fishing (spearfishing or diving):

• In some areas it can also be caught by divers by hand or with small spears.

3. Hunting season and legal controls:

• Blue crab fishing is restricted to certain times of the year in Turkey. Hunting times are regulated to protect the population.

How to cook blue crabs?

1. Cooking:

• One of the most common cooking methods is boiling blue crabs. Add salt, lemon and bay leaf to the water and bring to a boil. The crabs are boiled for 10-15 minutes.

2nd grid:

• Cover the cleaned crabs with olive oil, garlic and spices and grill.

3. Baking:

• To cook in the oven, the crabs are cleaned, cut into a sauce, then wrapped in aluminum foil and cooked.

4. Sauce dishes:

• Blue crabs are usually cooked without meat and used in dishes such as noodles or rice.

Benefits and Nutritional Values of Blue Crab

Blue crabs are a very nutritious food with high protein and low fat content.

• Nutritional values (per 100 grams):

• Protein: 19-20 g

• Calories: 100–120 calories

• Omega 3: contains large amounts

• Vitamins: B12, Vitamin D

• Minerals: zinc, selenium, iron, magnesium

• Advantages:

1. Supports muscle growth.

2. Strengthens the immune system.

3. Promotes heart health as it contains Omega 3.

4. Due to its high iron content, it prevents anemia.

Who exports from Türkiye to where?

1. Production areas in Türkiye:

• It is hunted mainly on the coasts of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. Adana Antalya Izmir Mugla and the surrounding areas are characterized by blue crab fishing.

2. Export areas:

• Blue crabs from Turkey are generally exported to European countries (France, Italy, Spain), the USA and Far Eastern countries (Japan, China, South Korea).

3. Turkish companies:

• Companies like Reform Fisheries are major players in blue crab export. These companies ship crabs abroad in fresh, frozen or processed form.

market situation in the world

1st order:

• The United States in particular is the largest consumer and importer of blue crab. It is very popular in the Maryland area.

• In Asian countries, crab meat is considered a gourmet product.

2. Production and competition:

• Besides Turkey, blue crabs are also produced in countries such as the USA, Mexico and China. However, thanks to its natural resources, Türkiye has an important position in the European and Asian markets.

3. Prices:

• Prices for processed products are higher than for fresh crabs. Crab meat and claw meat in particular are of great value.