Soft Shell

Soft shells are considered delicacies along the eastern sea board. But, what are soft shell crabs?

These crabs are blue crabs that have shed their shells in order to grow. The crab must molt in order to continue growing. A full size crab can span up to 8 inches tip to tip. The crab sheds its shell and emerges with a very soft, thin shell. It takes several days for the shell to harden. Blue crabs can molt upwards of 20 times during their life span. The average life span of a blue crab is 2-3 years.

The entire crab is eaten - new, soft shell and all. Popular recipes include po-boy style sandwiches and deep frying.