Dungeness Crab

(Cancer Magister)

Other names
Market Crab, Common Crab

Availability
December-March and May-September

Depth of catch
Shallow to 200 fathoms.

Characteristics
The Dungeness Crab takes it's name from a small fishing town on the
Washington Coast. "Dungies" are in the Rock Crab family. Their shell is
a light greenish-brown on back and turns red when cooked. The underside
is a whitish to light orange. Only males are harvested. They must measure
6 1/4 inches across the back. They usually weigh between 11/2 - 3 # and
reach maturity at about 2 years. Harvest levels were declining in the early
1980's, but have rebounded since 1988.

Range of shelf life
Live crab can be held up to 12 days. 3 to 7 days on fresh, depending on
the quality of handling the crab has received.

How to store
Fresh whole Dungeness Crab should be buried in ice .