Stone crab claws are a Florida Keys delicacy that are similar in size to large blue crab or Maine lobster claws. Stone crabs are harvested during the inshore season from Oct. 15 to May 15. They are harvested during their best flavor when the claws are red and easily separate from the shell. Stone crab claws are harvested in abundance in the Keys and are available in Keys markets. Claws are an excellent source of sustainable seafood. Stone crabs can regrow their claws after harvesting them. Stone crab claws are usually served cold with mustard dipping sauce, but some restaurants serve them hot with melted butter and lemon. If you decide to serve stone crab claws at home, make sure to keep them refrigerated until serving. Typically, they are served with a mustard or clarified butter dipping sauce. For an extra flavor boost, you can add herbs to the reheating liquid. A lemony chili infused olive oil with minced herbs works well. Stone crabs are oval and dark red in color. Their large claws are the "crusher" claw. The adult stone crabs must be aware of other predators as they have to watch out for sea turtles, groupers, and octopi. Despite these amazing abilities, adult stone crabs have a limited lifespan and tend to have several siblings. The life span of a stone crab is eight to nine years, but it can grow its claws multiple times. Many people may not be aware of how much harm stone crab claws do to a local ecosystem, but it's important to know what they eat and how they are sourced. If you're vegan, you can avoid eating crabs altogether. However, you'll find more vegan options on the market. While it's a sad state of affairs, there are ways to avoid stone crab claws. They are delicious! Using traps, recreational fishermen and professionals harvest stone crab claws. Crab traps are placed in crevices and depressions in rock formations. The traps must be placed in these crevices or depressions to maximize their chances of being caught. A stone crabs trap must catch at least two gallons of stone crab claws per boat. Claws with legal sizes must be removed from the stone crab without killing the crab. Stone crab fishing is only permitted off the southeastern coast of the US, Cuba, and the Bahamas. Florida has some of the best fishing for stone crabs, but the price is very high compared to other seafood. A pound of stone crab claws can run up to $70 at a restaurant. Stone crab claws are expensive because they require such a labor intensive harvest process. It also takes a lot of effort to catch them. Unlike lobsters, stone crabs can regenerate their claws 3 to 4 times during their life. As such, the claws are considered a prized part of the Stone Crab's meat. Claws are often served in the shell. While catching live Stone Crabs in Florida is illegal, fishermen harvest them only for their claws. Once their claws are fully grown, the crabs are returned to the wild and can be harvested again. Explore more on this subject by clicking here:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_stone_crab.
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