Can you eat the mustard in a crab?

Contrary to popular belief, the “mustard” is not fat, rather it’s the crab’s hepatopancreas, the organ responsible for filtering impurities from the crab’s blood. Although many find its flavor distinct and delicious, it is recommended that you do not eat this since many chemical contaminants concentrate in the organ.

What’s the yellow mustard in crabs?

hepatopancreas
Maryland crabs are the best because of the “mustard” as we call it, that bright yellow liquid, that sweetens the meat of the crab. This is actually the hepatopancreas, a main component of the crab’s digestive system that looks like tubes acting as the crabs liver and pancreas.

What is the yellow stuff inside of a cooked crab?

The yellow stuff inside a cooked crab is the crab’s hepatopancreas. This is a gland inside the crab that works to produce digestive enzymes and filter impurities from the crab’s blood, similar to our body’s digestive system. After that quick answer I’m still not convinced.

Can you eat blue crabs?

The best way to avoid developing any sickness is to eat crabs in moderation. It’s recommended that you don’t eat the mustard of more than six blue crabs per week. However, not all crabs are risky business!

Why do we eat crabs?

It’s a wonder that we eat these things! The hepatopancreas also works as the crab’s blood cleaner, similar to our body’s liver. As blood travels through the crab’s body and the hepatopancreas, it will filter out any impurities found in the blood. This keeps the crab alive and healthy to go on being a crab.

Can you eat the shells of a crab?

Let’s say you’re at a crab feast or just eating a crab in general. If you pull off the crab’s apron with a piece of silverware, then pry off the top of the crab’s shell (also known as the crab’s carapace), you’ll be greeted with some slimy lungs and guts. We don’t want to eat those parts of the crab.