Taihu Clear-Water Crabs

Taihu Clear-Water Crabs

　　They are “Chinese Mitten Crabs,” one of China’s renowned freshwater crab species. Renowned for their tender, succulent meat and rich, aromatic roe, they are truly a delicacy. Late autumn is the prime season for these large crabs, and there’s a saying: “September for female crabs (with round abdomens), October for male crabs (with pointed abdomens).” In the Wuxi area, besides steaming or boiling, crabs are also prepared as drunken crabs, pan-fried crabs, stir-fried crab roe, crab meat stewed with eggs, and more. There are also seasonal dim sum treats like crab roe xiaolongbao. (Wuxi)