https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/she-crab-soup-51156820 Just look on the bottom of the crabs, at the apron. Sherry is a key ingredient here along with the Lobster Base (Better than bouillon). It is illegal in many states to possess sponge crabs. Male blue crabs have broader bodies and more pronounced spines; on the other hand, female blue crabs have a less broad body and less pronounced spines. BLUE CRAB IDENTIFICATION ... #3 Sook Crabs – The number three Sook crabs are the mature female crabs which means they are able to mate and carry eggs. As far as any other crabs, they do sell female blue crabs, and also female rock crabs. Would tobikko commonly used with sushi provide a similar taste. Seeking suggestions for substituting crab roe in She crab soup. From a distance these eggs resemble a sponge, hence the term "sponge" crab. The male usually has a thin apron, Y-shaped and the female has a triangular apron. Egg-Bearing Female Blue Crab "Sponge Crab" "Pregnant" female blue crabs carry fertilized eggs under their abdomen. One of the nicest things about buying live crabs instead of lump crab meat is that you get the whole measure of the animal—not only its succulent flesh, but also its creamy innards and the sweet, briny juices that pool in the curve of the shell. According to a survey of 20 crab houses in the Baltimore area, female crabs by the dozen were priced at between 51 and 85 cents to the dollar, compared to males. Male blue crabs are called “jimmies,” adolescent female blue crabs “sally,” and the adult female blue crabs “sooks,” by the watermen or boatmen. The crab is an autumn delicacy in Shanghai cuisine and eastern China. My usual procedure is to steam the crab with beer and call it a day. $24.87 CROE-0002: Crab Roe - 2 lbs. You can quickly identify the sook crabs by the orange color on the tips of the claws. Also, the tomalley (aka “mustard”) is found in all blue crabs. I have had it several times while visiting Charleston, SC but am not familiar with the taste as an individual ingredient. However, I use lump crab and Lobster Base rather than female blue crabs and roe. It is prized for the female crab roe, which ripen in the ninth lunar month and the males in the tenth. The flavor-packed spheres come from the female crab and turn bright orange after cooking. Other sought-after parts of the blue crab include the roe, which makes an excellent garnish and is revered in Chinese cuisine. $48.78 Check the items you wish to purchase, then click Share your knowledge of this product. Crab Roe - 1 lb. As far as the crab roe, the availability varies during the months of the year. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. It takes about two weeks for the eggs to "ripen" and be released into the water to hatch. 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