Crab Claws, Jonah

Scientific Name

Cancer borealis

Harvest Method

Wild Caught

Harvest Area

New England Coastal States and Canada

Seasonality

Year Round

Cooking Notes

Shell and eat.

Best Substitutes

Stone Crab, Dungeness Crab.

Responsible Sourcing Information

Jonah Crab resources are managed by the individual New England coastal states where they are harvested.

Editorial

“Jonah crab claws are a staple of any raw bar and are renowned for their distinct flavor, texture, and appearance, which are similar to their Pacific cousin, the Dungeness crab. These crabs are found in the waters of the Northwest Atlantic Ocean, primarily from Newfoundland, Canada to Florida. They are characterized by a rounded, rough-edged carapace with small light spots and robust claws with dark brown-black tips. The claws, which are used for defense and capturing prey, are pre-cooked and come with their knuckle attached, making them a perfect appetizer.

In terms of culinary characteristics, the Jonah crab is celebrated for its succulent meat, which is delicate, sweet, and slightly nutty. Its firm texture holds up well in various cooking methods, making it a versatile ingredient in numerous seafood dishes. The meat can be extracted from the claws and body, perfect for crab cakes, crab salad, or simply enjoyed on its own.

The harvest areas for LPSS’s selection of Jonah crabs are New England coastal states and Canada. In terms of sustainability, with the growing commercial interest in Jonah crabs, fisheries management has started implementing measures to ensure the crab’s sustainable harvest. Some measures include minimum size limits, protection of egg-bearing females, and restricting the use of certain fishing gear.

If Jonah crab claws are not available, a potential substitute could be the claws of the Dungeness crab or stone crab, given their similar flavor, texture, and appearance. However, it’s important to note that the availability of substitutes may vary depending on the region and season.”