Out of the over 4,000 species of crabs, snow crabs and king crabs are among the most common crab varieties. Snow crabs and king crabs are species of crabs you will find on the menu if you are a lover of seafood.
Snow crabs and king crabs are more enjoyable when prepared in the right way and with the right ingredients.
So, what makes the snow crab and the king crab an enjoyable meal and what are the differences between a snow crab vs a king crab?
What Are Snow Crabs?
A snow crab or Chionoecetes is a genus of crabs that is naturally found in regions such as the northern Pacific and Atlanta oceans. These are a species of crabs named for the colour of their meat.
This species of crab is also referred to as the “queen crab” and “spider crab”. Snow crabs have longer legs, a similar feature that the king crab also has.
Snow crabs naturally inhabit the northern Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. They are caught in regions such as the Arctic Ocean, Greenland, Newfoundland in Canada, and northern Norway.
Snow crabs are also caught across the Pacific Ocean around the Bering Sea, the Gulf of Alaska, the Sea of Japan, and even in a southern region such as California.
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What Are King Crabs?
King crabs are a large species of crab that are thought to be derived from hermit crab ancestors within the Paguridae.
They grow large in size and naturally have a good taste, which is why they are usually caught and sold as food.
The average-sized king crab can weigh about 6 to 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms). However, there are some king crabs that can grow to more than 20 pounds, with a leg span measuring 6 feet (1.829 metres) across.
Kings crabs are one of the most common seafood you will find on the menu. They are a type of seafood with nutritional value. King crabs are a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Although you will only be eating their legs, you will be consuming seafood that contains high protein and low fat.
Currently, there are about 125 known species of king crab. Some of the most popular species of king crab include the red (Kamchatka crab or Alaskan king crab), blue (Paralithodes platypus), and golden or brown (Lithodes aequispinus).
Additionally, the best season to harvest king crabs is usually from late October to January.
Snow Crab vs King Crab: Difference between Snow Crab and King Crab
Snow crabs and king crabs are the two most common species of crabs widely enjoyed for their meat- which is their legs. They are different species of crab, so there is a difference if you compare size and other factors.
So, what are the key differences between snow crabs and king crabs?
Size and Legs
First, let’s look at the size of snow crabs and king crabs.
These two species of crabs come in different sizes, which is a distinctive feature to notice. Based on size, king crabs are a larger species compared to snow crabs.
The average-sized king crab can weigh about 6 to 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms). However, there are some king crabs that can grow to more than 20 pounds, with a leg span measuring 6 feet (1.829 metres) across.
According to Fisheries.NOAA.gov, the male Alaskan snow crab can reach six inches in shell width but females seldom grow larger than three inches.
Also, snow crabs can weigh about 2 to 4 pounds.
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Season and Sourcing
Snow crabs and king crabs naturally inhabit cold climates. King crabs and snow crabs are usually harvested near Alaskan.
The snow crab is sourced from the Arctic Ocean, Greenland, Newfoundland in Canada, and northern Norway. Snow crabs are also sourced from waters near the state of Maine.
Snow crabs are always available almost throughout the year. The Alaskan harvesting season is usually from January to April, while the Canadian season starts from April to August.
Kings crabs unlike snow crabs have a shorter harvest season that lasts from late October to January. But, that doesn’t mean you won’t find king crabs served at restaurants after winter. King crabs are available and preserved frozen.
Habitats
Snow crabs and king crabs naturally inhabit the North Pacific Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean. They flourish in deep cold waters but some species of king crab live off the coast of California.
The Alaskan king crab has a limited habitat and is mainly harvested in the Bering Sea- the region between Alaska and the Russian Federation.
Snow Crab vs King Crab: Preparation
Crabs are types of seafood with a little meat to eat. Crabs are not like other seafood with parts that you can eat.
Although they contain high protein and low fat, you can only eat their legs and claws. The legs and claws are part of snow crabs and king crabs you can find tasty sweet flavours.
So here is how to prepare snow crabs and king crabs.
First, you need to heat the crabs over boiling water with a specialized steamer basket. You can also use a colander, and place it over a pot to make a steam basket.
Now, allow the crabs to heat for about three to four minutes- until the meat turns into a juicy pink colour.
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Snow Crab vs King Crab: Availability
Generally, harvest season for king crabs is limited and they are mainly harvested in the Bering Sea- the region between Alaska and the Russian Federation.
Harvest season for king crabs starts in October and lasts all the way to mid-January. Harvest season for king carbs can be extended by a few weeks provided there is friendly weather.
Unlike king crabs, harvest seasons for snow crabs are quite longer. Snow crab season usually starts in the United States in late fall and can last into the early weeks of summer.
Snow Crab vs King Crab: Price
King crabs are seafood you will find on the menu in a restaurant. Expect to pay more if you prefer the meat and taste of king crabs. The legs of this crustacean can cost between $50 to $100 per pound.
For snow crabs, expect to pay about $20 to $40 per pound to enjoy nice cooked crab legs. Snow crab’s harvesting season is much longer compared to that of king crabs, so this is the main reason king crabs cost more than snow crabs.
Snow Crab vs King Crab: Nutritional Value
Snow crabs and king crabs are species of crabs enriched with high protein. They are low in fat and are also good sources of vitamins and minerals- such as vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium.
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Nutritional Value
| Snow Crab Raw- 100 g | King Crab Raw- 100 g | |
| Protein | 18.5 g | 12.29 g |
| Calories | 90 | 84 |
| Fat total | 1.18 g | 0.6 g |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0g |
| Sugar, total | 0 g | 0 g |
| Saturated fatty acids total | 0.143 g | 0. |
| Sugar total | 0 g | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 55 mg | 55 mg |
| Sodium | 539 mg | 836 mg |
| Selenium | 34.6 mg | 36.4 mcg |
Conclusion
A snow crab or Chionoecetes is a genus of crabs that is naturally found in regions such as the northern Pacific and Atlanta oceans.
Snow crabs and king crabs are the two most common species of crabs widely enjoyed for their meat- which is their legs.
Kings crabs are one of the most common seafood you will find on the menu. Kings crabs unlike snow crabs have a shorter harvest season that lasts from late October to January.
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References
- Wikipedia: Chionoecetes
- Wikipedia: King crab
- Southernliving: What’s The Difference Between Snow Crab And King Crab?
- Thekitchn: What’s the Difference Between Snow Crab and King Crab?
