Seafood is loved by millions because of its delicious taste and a plethora of health benefits. One of the most famous seafood which has created a buzz among seafood lovers these days is a Coconut Crab.
But the question here is, can you eat coconut crab? Are they dangerous or poisonous for your health or not?
Well, Yes, you can eat coconut crab. It is edible and is considered a delicacy in countries, such as the Solomon Islands, Malaysia, Polynesia, etc. However, coconut crab can prove to be harmful in some cases.
Want to know more about them? Keep reading!
Table of Content
Can You Eat Coconut Crab?
Is coconut crab edible? Absolutely, it is. The meat of a coconut crab is believed to be remarkably good (described later in detail). Plus, the beneficial effects are also a lot, so it is favorite seafood for many people.
The most interesting facts about coconut crabs are that they are the world’s largest arthropod and have huge claws measuring about 2 feet long. Three-foot-long coconut crabs are now also found on islands of Malaysia. Amazed by these coconut crab facts?
But there are some rumors that coconut crab is poisonous or dangerous to eat. Guess what? It is a complete myth.
Here are the health benefits of eating coconut crab:
Weight Loss:
The meat of crabs, especially coconut crab, is packed with nutrients and fiber which keeps you full for a long time. Coconut crab will help you avoid overeating and speeds up the process of the weight loss journey.
Also, it is a low-calorie food that is packed with protein and a minor amount of fat. As a result, eating crab meat, including coconut crab, may aid in weight loss.
Muscle Gain:
Vitamins present in coconut crab help to maintain muscle mass and reduce exhaustion. In addition, the protein content leads to muscle gain. Thus, if you are an athlete or just want to look muscular, you should eat a coconut crab diet frequently.
Good For the Heart and Brain:
It also has plenty of fatty acids which aid in brain health and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Another important nutrient in coconut crab is vitamin B12. It also improves your immune system and energy levels while lowering your chances of heart attack and stroke. Hence, it is a smart choice to include coconut crab in your diet as it is a wholesome meal with every essential nutrient.
Does Coconut Crab Taste Good?
Are Coconut Crabs Good To Eat? Yes, it is. It tastes like lobster, ordinary crab flesh, or shrimp. Some people even say the meat of coconut crab tastes like peanut butter.
The most delectable components are the coconut crab eggs and the fat in the abdomen. Mostly, it is eaten with spicy sauces, after being steamed or boiled.
So, if you were asking yourself, “Why do people eat coconut crab”, then there is your answer. Due to all these health benefits and delicious taste, coconut crabs are now preferred over many kinds of seafood.
You may have also heard the news that coconut crabs are not easy to find. So, are coconut crabs endangered? Yes, they are now. They are rarely found on islands where humans live because of over-hunting.
Now, let me tell you how to cook coconut crabs.
How Can We Cook Coconut Crabs?
The coconut crab is very versatile and you can eat them with many other kinds of seafood. Moreover, cooking coconut crab is very easy and quick as well. We are going to share with you the easiest ways of cooking coconut crab down below.
Boiling Method:
To prepare the coconut crab food with this method, cut the claws into four or six pieces. Then, put some onions in salted water and cook the coconut crab for 20 minutes in it. Remove it from the boiling liquid, set it aside to cool briefly, then twist the meat outwards over a bowl to capture any excess moisture. Cut small coconut crabs whatever shape or size you want and enjoy them with spicy sauces!
Coconut Crab Curry:
With coconut milk, chile, lime juice, and salt, you can simply produce coconut crab curry. Place the coconut crab in a large pot and add all the mentioned ingredients. After that, boil the crab for around 12 minutes over medium heat. You can serve these boiled crabs with any sauce you desire, but we recommend using chili sauce.
Coconut Crab With Coconut Milk:
It is the easiest recipe for coconut crab. We recommend making sure you buy a live crab. Then, clean it properly and remove the coconut crab meat from its shell with the help of a sharp knife. After doing that, add some salt, pepper, and any other spices you like according to your taste. The next step is to heat the coconut milk until it gets lukewarm. Add the crab meat into this milk and stir it well. Then cover it with a lid and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes. That’s it your delicious coconut crab milk recipe is ready to serve.
When Are Coconut Crabs Dangerous?
While the coconut crab isn’t toxic on its own, the way you consume it can make it so. As a result, there have been reports of coconut crab poisoning, especially when the crab ate deadly sea animals or plants that are harmful to people but not to coconut crabs.
In that case, your condition might get severe but the chances of death are almost negligible.
To avoid this from happening, experts recommend buying coconut crabs from reliable providers that ensure the crab meat is handled properly. Coconut crab poisoning can be serious and even fatal in some cases.
The other side effect is that coconut crabs have high salt content in them. Eating coconut crab in excessive quantities is dangerous due to its high sodium content which can increase the risk of stroke and high blood pressure.
Therefore, professionals recommend limiting your coconut crab intake. Because most crabs and crustaceans contain a lot of salt (due to their habits), it’s crucial to diversify your diet and include plenty of fresh vegetables to help balance your sodium levels.
Nonetheless, though incidences of coconut crab poisoning have occurred very rarely in the past, the coconut crab is a safe meal to take as long as you eat it from a trustworthy source. If you follow the safety precautions, you should be able to enjoy this delectable cut of meat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do coconut crabs eat?
Coconut crabs food is literally anything such as coconut (of course), fallen fruit, nuts, and seeds. Moreover, the coconut crab prey on dead and marine animals as well.
How long does coconut crab live?
Coconut crabs can live up to 60 years if no one catches and eats them. They are nocturnal, so their hunters have to catch them by staying up all night.
Where does the coconut crab live?
Coconut crabs are found on the islands and coasts of the sea. They are generally caught on Indo-pacific islands, Gambier islands, and East African coasts.
Wrapping up
So, can we eat coconut crabs?
Yes, you can certainly eat them. Just be a little conscious about the quantity you are taking as consuming a lot of coconut crab can be harmful. It is due to the high salt content of coconut crab.
However, if you consume it in moderation, you can certainly enjoy health benefits. Eating coconut crabs can lead to weight loss, muscle gain, improved heart health, proper brain functioning, and stronger immunity. Plus, the taste is delicious, so you will also have a great time eating this seafood.
Long story short, if you are seafood enthusiastic, this giant arthropod is a treat for you!
