While watching the show, you are probably wondering how many different types Alaskan King Crab there are; well, we’ve found that information for you.

The Red King Crab

Caught in the waters of Bristol Bay and Norton Sound, the true red king crab is the most prized species of crab in the world. There was just one major harvest of red king crab in Alaska this winter. The season lasted only 4 days. Over 250 boats participated in the fishery (in the waters of Bristol Bay) and harvested a total of more than 14 million pounds. Alive, red king crab are actually a dark burgundy in color. When they are cooked they turn bright red- with firey-red highlights on the top part of the shell, and especially around the toes. Taste-wise, true red king crab is the best in the world. The meat is snow-white, with highlights of bright red.? Succulent, and served steaming-hot, there is no other meal I would rather have.

The Blue King Crab

Caught in Alaska near St. Matthew Island and the Pribilof Islands, this species is known for its proportionally giant claws. Pribilof Island blue king crab are among the largest crab in the world.? In Dutch Harbor in 1998 I saw blue king crab being unloaded at the dock weighing more than 18 lbs! When they are alive, blue king crab are brown with royal blue highlights. However, when they are cooked they turn a bright orange-red. This is why blue king crab is generally marketed as “red king crab”. Taste-wise, blue king crab is a close second to true red king crab.? When it is available in-season, I like serving blue king crab when I am entertaining guests. They are always amazed at the size of the legs- and especially the claws.

The Golden King Crab

Caught in the waters surrounding the Aleutian chain, brown king crab are the smaller of the three main species. Brown (golden) king crab is similar in taste to blue king crab. These crabs are the smaller cousins to red and blue king crab. They are a good value.

The Scarlet King Crab

Though not commercially marketed, the Bering Sea also holds a fourth type of king crab known as the Scarlet king crab. Though I have never tried this type of king crab, I have heard a tale or two that they have extremely sweet meat. Scarlet king crab have neither the size nor population to sustain a commercial harvest.

A Map of Where the King Crab Hang Out:?

Information from King Crab 101 - Alaskan King Crab Facts?

This entry was posted on Saturday, May 5th, 2007 at 11:00 pm and is filed under Crab Fishing, Helpful Facts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.