RICE CRAB

In Vietnam, rice crab is widely distributed from the northern to the southern. Rice crab can be found far away from the sea in freshwater, in estuarine areas, or even out in the sea on driftwood and flotsam. In Vietnam, Rice crab is distributed widely from Rice crab is caught with baited traps or pots.

Rice crab has a smooth, squarish carapace with round corners and the legs of Rice crab are flattened and somewhat paddle-like. Rice crab’s colour can be light brown to brownish grey, sometimes with darker patterns on the carapace.

Like all crustaceans (crayfish, shrimps), rice crab shed their shells (moult) once or twice a year which allows for growth in body size.

Rice crab has many crab-roes. The flesh of rice crab is white, sweet, crisp, moist and fatty.

Rice crab is an excellent source of healthy nutrients which contains many vitamins and minerals such as B1, B2, PP, calcium, iron, etc.

Rice crab is sometimes collected for consumption by villagers, either pickled in vinegar and/or salt or deep fried. Additionally, rice crab can be baked, barbecued, or steamed.

Especially, rice crab can be pan-fried with fish sauce and covered with chopped lemon leaves.