Shanghai Hairy Crab

Country Of Origin: China 🇨🇳

Shanghai hairy crab, also known as the Chinese mitten crab (due to its furry claws), is a seasonal delicacy most famously harvested from the Yangcheng Lake region near Shanghai, China. Considered a luxury food in Chinese cuisine, this flavorful, creamy and somewhat sweet dish is often gifted or eaten during festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival. The Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is native to the Yangtze River Delta, where it migrates from freshwater lakes (like Yangcheng Lake) to the East China Sea to spawn. This natural lifecycle made the crab a seasonal local ingredient for centuries.

Fun Fact: During the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), hairy crab rose from a humble regional delicacy to a gourmet treat enjoyed by scholars and aristocrats. Crabs were celebrated in poems and painting, often paired with Shaoxing wine and appreciated for their seasonal symbolism.

Our Favorite Recipe: https://saltnchili.com/2014/09/22/shanghai-hairy-crab/

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