How do I get crabs?

[RottenRow]

at the risk of asking a dim question I want to make a crab starter for Christmas and I'm not sure where to get the crab. I assume I'll have to get it pretty close to the day so do I put in an order at a fishmonger or will supermarkets generally stock it? Should I buy it when I see it and freeze it?

Also the recipe calls for a ratio of White to brown meat. I'm not sure what the difference is?

don't know but bumping this for someone else to come along and answer

Bigger supermarkets with a good fish counter will stock fresh crab, as will fishmongers if you can still find one. Go along and ask them about stock and ordering in advance. The white meat and brown meat is from different parts of the crab... white from the legs and claws, brown from the body.... and they have different flavours which is why you'll be given a ratio to mix.

I absolutely will NOT suggest that Frankie off X Factor as a likely carrier.

The best place near us is the Chinese supermarket, they have amazing seafood. Do you have one near you?

If not, you could ask your supermarket counter if you can order it in. And if that fails, order at the fishmonger.

BTW, what crab starter are you doing? I love crab and it's been ages since I had some...

Sleep with my ex the dirty git

info here on freezing crab meat. Interesting advice to cook first to prevent discolouration.

On an altogether note I cannot BELIEVE SOH just wrote Frankie off factor rather than from. You have been listening to Scott Mills too much mrs.

Probably because 'off' seems to suit Frankie so much

Not sure where either my local fishmonger or Chinese supermarket so will look into it. Failing that will ask at fish counter in waitrose/tesco.

DP loves crab so am hoping he will be appreciative. It's the crab, avocado and salmon parcel recipe from woman & home Xmas food mag which can be made day before. Can add recipe later if you like?

Yes please to recipe.

I love crab.

You should be able to get it quite easily from the Supermarket fish counter!

(I can't stop laughing)

Yes please - would love the recipe!

If you're planning on freezing it anyway, why not just buy frozen crab? You could buy it online (fresh or frozen).

I was going to suggest 'being fast'

Actually, they do go quick.

In some areas.

Or so I hear.

Another one who thought this was about something else!

Do you have a local farmers' market? Or a local fishmonger?

Damsel thanks for that website although it slightly stumped me as you order by number of crabs and recipe calls for 325g I think. Wonder how many that would be?

Would you consider tinned crab?

Maybe email them and ask how many crabs you'd need for 325g of meat.

Are you anywhere near a Booths? They sell pots of undressed 100% white crab meat and brown meat. I imagine Waitrose probably stock something similar.

This reminds me of my French friend who walked into our local butcher and said in front of a large queue

'ave you got a big coq?

She was mortified when we explained why they were all laughing so much.

(She was trying to make coq au vin )

he he

crab, avocado and salmon parcels

325g/11oz fresh crab meat (two thirds white to brown)
1/2 red chilli deseeded and finely chopped
juice 1 lime
3tbsp each of mayo and chopped chives
325g smoked salmon, sliced
1 and a half avocados sliced and sprinkled with the remaining lime juice
lime wedges and mixed leaves to serve

6 ramekins lined with cling film

1. mix the crab, chilli, half the lime juice, mayo and chives, and season. Lay smoked salmon into the ramekins so they hang over the sides and cover the bottom without overlapping too much. Place some crab mix in each ramekin and top with avocado.
2. Fold the overlapping salmon over the top of the avocado; trim off excess. wrap the clingfilm over the top and invert the parcels on to plates. Serve with lime wedges and leaves.

How can your order by number of crab? Crabs vary in size

Do you live near the sea? Loads of people go out crabbing as a hobby and can be offered cash for, er, crabs.

The title puts me in mind of a story in the Jane Grigson Fish Cookery book, referring to scrod (small cod).

A guy hails a New York taxi and asks to be taken "somewhere I can get scrod". The driver replies "Sir, I have been asked that many times but never in the pluperfect".