Is it okay to steam the crab without washing it

Steaming crabs without washing poses certain health risks. It is recommended to thoroughly wash them before cooking. Crabs may carry sediment, bacteria, and parasites on their surface, and direct steaming cannot completely eliminate pollution.

Crab shells and joint crevices are prone to attaching impurities such as sediment and algae, and direct steaming can cause these pollutants to seep into the crab meat. Crabs may have water pollution in their habitats, and their bodies may accumulate heavy metals or organic pollutants, which cannot be effectively degraded by simple cooking. Some sea crabs may carry pathogenic bacteria such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and although high-temperature cooking can kill bacteria, it cannot remove the bacterial toxins that have already been produced. In rare cases, crabs raised in clean environments have less pollution, but wild crabs generally carry parasitic risks, such as the possibility of lung fluke larvae being transmitted through unwashed crab bodies. Crab gills are prone to hiding dirt, and impurities in the gills can contaminate crab roe and meat during steaming. Some people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions after consuming unwashed crabs.

When handling crabs, a hard bristled brush should be used to thoroughly scrub the shell, abdomen, and joints, with a focus on cleaning the gills and abdominal folds. It is recommended to soak in light salt water for 30 minutes to promote sand spitting, and cut off the crab navel to remove internal organs. The steaming time should be long enough to ensure that the center temperature meets the standard, and when consumed with ginger vinegar juice, it can assist in sterilization. Allergic individuals, pregnant women, and children should avoid consuming crabs that may be contaminated, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting occur.