How to clean the tied crabs

Bundled crabs can be washed directly, but care should be taken to avoid loosening the ropes and causing pincer injuries. During cleaning, it is important to focus on the crevices of crab shells, abdominal navel, and joints, and to use flowing water flushing and soft bristled brushes for more effective assistance.

Cleaning crabs in a bundled state can reduce the risk of being pinched, especially suitable for handling live crabs. Before cleaning, prepare a basin of clean water and immerse the crab's abdomen upwards. Use an old toothbrush or soft bristled brush to gently brush the protruding areas of the crab shell, the joints of the feet, and the folds of the belly and navel. When the crab claws are tied, the gap between the claws needs to be washed separately, and the water flow can be adjusted to a moderate force to wash away the crab roe. If there is a lot of mud attached to the crab shell, it can be soaked briefly for 10 minutes before brushing, but the total cleaning time should not be too long to prevent the crab from dying due to oxygen deficiency. In rare cases, when crabs are tied too tightly or the ropes are heavily contaminated, the ropes can be cut and quickly cleaned. When operating, thick gloves should be used to hold down both sides of the crab shell to avoid the range of pliers. After cutting the rope, immediately rinse it with running water, and use a brush to scrub it unidirectionally from the crab's mouth to the tail to avoid angering the crab. If the crabs struggle violently during the processing, the operation should be stopped. Dead crabs or crabs that emit odors are not recommended for consumption.

It is recommended to cook the cleaned crabs as soon as possible and store them in a damp towel for 2 hours before use. Before steaming, wipe the crab shell with ginger slices to remove the fishy smell, and place the crab belly facing up to prevent the loss of soup. People with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold can pair it with ginger vinegar juice when eating, and people with allergies should be cautious when consuming crab roe. If the crab shell is found to be damaged or the internal organs turn black during cleaning, it may be a sign of spoilage and should be discarded.