Learn all about Maryland soft shell crabs!
Soft shell crabs are back at Box Hill! If you’ve had our crab cakes and other seafood dishes but have never tried soft shell crabs, now is the time to try the delicious meal. Be sure to follow us on Facebook for updates on when our soft shell crabs will be available at the restaurant and continue reading to learn all about Maryland soft shell crabs!
Difference Between Regular Crabs and Soft Shell Crab
The main difference between a regular hard-shelled crab and a soft shell crab is that the soft shell has outgrown the size of its hard shell and shed its exterior layer. This process is called molting, and consists of a soft shell being formed underneath a crab’s hard shell. During the molting process, the crab’s body will swell with water, resulting in cracks in its outer, rigid shell to allow itself to continue growing. Once the crab has removed its original shell, it takes a few days to create a new, larger shell. During these few days, the crab’s body is left soft and vulnerable, and it is during this time that crab fishermen look for delicious soft shell crabs.
When Is Soft Shell Crab Season?
The soft shell crab season runs from late spring to early fall, with the majority of crabs found in May to September. The season has started early in Maryland, as Box Hill just got our first soft shell crabs of the year!
Frozen soft shell crabs are available year-round, but our customers know that we only serve the most high-quality, fresh crabs at Box Hill. Blue crabs typically make up the majority of soft shell crabs, and we serve as many fresh crabs as possible for our customers during the summer months.
How To Eat Soft Shell Crabs
As the name states, the main advantage of eating soft shell crabs is that they are much softer and easier to eat than regular, hard-shelled crabs. Rather than pick through a crab shell and find tiny pieces of meat, you can enjoy every bite of a soft shell crab! It won’t have a tough or bony texture and tastes just as delicious as a regular crab. If this sounds good, be sure to keep an eye on our Facebook for updates of when we are serving fresh soft shell crabs!
It’s Always the Right Time for Box Hill
We are located in Abingdon, Maryland, and our crab cakes are available year-round! If you ever have any questions or comments about Box Hill or our Maryland crab cakes, use our contact form here.
Box Hill Crab Cakes is your source for the freshest, most authentic Maryland crab cakes—and we’ll ship them to your door! Our top-secret family recipe has been fine-tuned for decades, and we guarantee you will love them. Visit us online to place your order or give us a call at 410-515-3662. Want to get recipe ideas, updates, and information on sales? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Trip Advisor, YouTube, and Twitter.
Order Today!Tags: Box Hill, crab cakes, Maryland Blue Crab, soft-shell crabs