Yangcheng mitten crabs: an exquisite autumn delicacy

Yangcheng Lake is a freshwater lake about three kilometers northeast of Suzhou City in Jiangsu Province, east China.

It is the most famous area of origin for the Chinese mitten crabs.

The best time of visiting the lake is September and October in Chinese lunar calendar because the mitten crabs turn juicy during this period with special delicious flavor.

Taking a real bite of famous Yangcheng crab is becoming an increasingly expensive culinary experience. Most crabs produced in Yangcheng Lake arrive at the dinner tables of the five-star hotels in Shanghai and Beijing due to limited production.

Normally a pair of crabs – one male and one female – served in Shanghai fancy restaurants cost about 300 yuan (47 U.S dollars) or more.

So many people prefer driving to Yangcheng Lake on their own trips and taste the delicacy in a crab house, a type of eatery run by local crab farmers, which offers a simple yet authentic dining experience.

Crab houses, surrounding the lakeside, usually consist of a three-story building which includes holding areas where live hairy crabs are transported by farmers from their cages and delivered to the chefs.

Traditionally, mitten crabs are simply steamed whole to preserve their delicate flavor and moisture. Nothing else is added, no additional ingredients or spices or other flavorings. They are then eaten with a dark vinegar dip which enhances the natural crab flavor.

What makes the crab such a prized delicacy is the abundant rich, creamy golden roe. If you are tasting the roe for the first time, the lushness will overwhelm your taste buds.

It tastes sultry and buttery, delivering a sense of being suspended in the momentary euphoria of gooey, sweet and warm lusciousness.