Xiantang Red Crabs

Xiantang Red Crabs

Xiantang Red Crabs hold a Geographical Indication Certification trademark.

　　Xiantang Red Crabs are a specialty of Qiaodong Town, Zhao’an County, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province. These crabs are round in shape, with relatively bright red shells. Their meat is fragrant, tender, and fine-textured, while the roe is golden yellow. The flavor is well-balanced — not too salty or fishy, and free from the muddy taste often found in freshwater crabs. Xiantang Red Crabs have been awarded a National Geographical Indication Certification trademark.

　　Red crabs, also known as mud crabs (scientific name: Scylla serrata), belong to the class Crustacea and the family Portunidae. They prefer to dwell in muddy or sandy seabeds near coastal shallows and estuaries. These crabs are fierce predators with a carnivorous diet, mainly feeding on fish, shrimp, and shellfish. Their meat is delicious and nutritious, and they are also believed to have health-enhancing benefits. Female crabs, in particular, are regarded as “roe crabs” by people in southern China and are often referred to as the “ginseng of the sea.”

　　“Xiantang Red Crabs” are round in shape, with relatively bright red shells. Their meat is fragrant, tender, and fine-textured, while the roe is golden yellow. The flavor is well-balanced — not too salty or fishy, and free from the muddy taste often found in freshwater crabs. Currently, the total farming area for red crabs in the county is around 20,000 mu (approximately 1,333 hectares), with an annual production of over 2 million kilograms. The product is exported both domestically and internationally.

　　Qiaodong Town Aquaculture Association of Zhao’an County

　　11708371

　　Live Red Crabs