Dungeness crab is a popular seafood known for its sweet, delicate flavor and tender meat. A serving of 100 grams of cooked, moist heat Dungeness crab contains around 110 calories.

In addition to being low in calories, Dungeness crab is also a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining heart health and reducing inflammation. Crab meat is also an excellent source of selenium, a mineral that plays a crucial role in the immune system and thyroid function.

In this article, we'll explore the calorie, protein, fat, and carbohydrate content of Dungeness crab, as well as its vitamin and mineral content, health benefits, cooking tips, serving suggestions, storage tips, and potential risks associated with consumption.

Calorie Content of Dungeness Crab

As mentioned earlier, 100 grams of cooked Dungeness crab contains around 110 calories. This makes it an excellent food choice for anyone looking for a low-calorie, high-protein meal or snack.

Protein Content of Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab is an excellent source of protein, with 1 gram of protein per 4.4 grams of crab meat. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, and it helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied after meals. In addition, proteins are important in the formation of hormones, enzymes, and other vital compounds in the body. Eating foods that are high in protein, like Dungeness crab, is an easy way to ensure that your body has the amino acids it needs to function properly.

Fat Content of Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab is a low-fat food, containing less than 1 gram of fat per serving. However, it is also low in saturated fat, which is the type of fat that can raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease. Instead, Dungeness crab contains healthy unsaturated fats, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body and lower your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Carbohydrate Content of Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab is a low-carbohydrate food, with less than 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving. Carbohydrates are an essential nutrient that provides your body with energy, but it is important to choose complex carbohydrates, like whole grains and vegetables, over simple carbohydrates, like sugar and refined grains. By choosing seafood like Dungeness crab over more carb-heavy options like pasta or bread, you can help to maintain an overall healthy and balanced diet.

Vitamin and Mineral Content of Dungeness Crab

In addition to being low in calories and fat, Dungeness crab is also a great source of essential vitamins and minerals like selenium, vitamin B12, and zinc. These nutrients help to support a healthy immune system, improve brain function and mood, and keep your skin and hair looking healthy and strong. Crab meat is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body and lower your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

Health Benefits of Dungeness Crab

Consuming Dungeness crab regularly can have numerous health benefits. As mentioned earlier, it is a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and it can help to reduce inflammation in the body and lower your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. In addition, crab meat is low in calories and fat, which makes it an excellent food choice for anyone looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Eating seafood like Dungeness crab can also improve brain function and boost your mood, thanks to its high omega-3 fatty acid content.

Cooking Tips for Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab can be boiled, steamed, or baked, and it can be served in a variety of dishes like crab cakes, crab bisque, or crab salad. To cook Dungeness crab, start by boiling a large pot of water and seasoning it with salt, bay leaves, and other aromatics. Add the crab to the pot, and boil it for about 12-15 minutes, depending on the size of the crab. When the crab is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl of ice water to cool it down quickly. Finally, remove the meat from the shell and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab can be served as a main dish or as a delicious appetizer at special occasions like weddings or holiday parties. Crab cakes, crab dip, and crab salad are all popular ways to enjoy this tasty seafood. For a light and refreshing meal, try serving Dungeness crab as a salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a citrus dressing. Or, for a hearty and indulgent meal, pair crab with creamy pasta, risotto, or mashed potatoes.

Storage Tips for Dungeness Crab

After cooking Dungeness crab, it is important to refrigerate or freeze it promptly to prevent bacterial growth and preserve its quality. You can refrigerate cooked crabs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 6 months. When storing raw crabs, keep them in the coldest part of your refrigerator and use them within two days of purchase. To freeze raw crabs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags and store them for up to 6 months.

Potential Risks Associated with Dungeness Crab Consumption

While Dungeness crab can provide numerous health benefits, it can also be risky for people with certain allergies or medical conditions. People with shellfish allergies should avoid consuming Dungeness crab, as well as any other type of seafood. In addition, pregnant women, young children, and individuals with compromised immune systems should take extra precautions when consuming seafood to avoid foodborne illness caused by harmful bacteria like Salmonella or Vibrio vulnificus.