| Name (Japanese) | Snow Crab (Zuwai-gani / ズワイガニ / 楚蟹) |
| Overall Rating |
Flavor: ★★★★★ Texture: ★★★★☆ Popularity: ★★★★★ |
| Reference Price |
Value: ★★★★☆ Price range: $25~$50/lb |
| Best Season | Winter (December–March) |
| Did You Know? | Echizen and Matsuba are registered as branded snow crab trademarks. |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Overview |
Kanji Name: 楚蟹 (Zuwai-gani) English Name: Snow Crab Scientific Name: Chionoecetes opilio Classification: • Kingdom: Animalia • Phylum: Arthropoda • Class: Malacostraca • Order: Decapoda • Family: Oregoniidae • Genus: Chionoecetes • Species: C. opilio Average Size: 15–25 cm (body shell), leg span up to 70 cm Key Features: Sweet, delicate white meat; long slender legs; prized for sushi and hot pot |
| 2. Habitat & Distribution |
Found in cold northern Pacific and Atlantic waters. Common around Hokkaido, Russia, and Alaska. Prefers deep, sandy, or muddy seabeds at 100–600 m depth. |
| 3. Seasonality |
Best season is winter (December–March). Peak sweetness when water temperature is coldest and meat is firm. |
| 4. Sushi Ingredient Profile |
Common Uses: Nigiri, sashimi, boiled, hot pot Flavor: Sweet, delicate, clean taste Texture: Tender, slightly fibrous Fat Content: Low; emphasis on natural sweetness |
| 5. Preparation & Craftsmanship |
Often boiled to enhance natural sweetness. Shell is cracked carefully to preserve leg meat. Served chilled for sushi or simmered for soups and hot pots. |
| 6. Recommended Pairings |
Sushi Rice: Lightly seasoned with white vinegar Condiments: Wasabi, citrus ponzu, yuzu zest Drinks: Dry sake, crisp white wine, light beer |
| 7. Nutritional Information |
High in protein, low in fat. Rich in zinc, selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. Supports cardiovascular and immune health. |
| 8. Trivia & Cultural Notes |
Zuwai-gani is a luxury winter delicacy in Japan. Often served at Kaiseki meals and high-end sushi restaurants. Celebrated in regional crab festivals across Hokkaido. |
| 9. Recommended Sushi Styles |
• Snow crab nigiri with natural sweetness • Boiled snow crab sashimi • Snow crab in hot pot (kani nabe) • Snow crab with yuzu or ponzu dressing |
