The coconut crab is an omnivore and will eat just about anything it can get its claws on, including other crabs, coconuts, small mammals, and birds. Given the opportunity, they’ve even been known to feast on human flesh.
While they’re certainly not the most attractive creature, they are considered a delicacy in some parts of the world and are highly sought after by culinary enthusiasts.
So, can you eat coconut crab? And if so, is it safe and does it taste good? Let’s take a closer look.
Can You Eat Coconut Crab?
Yes, you can eat coconut crab. In fact, it’s considered a delicacy in many parts of the world, including Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Japan.
The meat is white and delicate, with a sweetness that is often compared to lobster or crab. It can be prepared in a number of ways, including steamed, boiled, baked, or grilled.
Is It Even Safe to Eat Coconut Crab?
Yes, it is safe to eat coconut crab. However, there are a few things you should know before you go digging in.
First, the meat of the coconut crab can be poisonous if not cooked properly. That’s because it contains a toxin called limonene, which is found in the crab’s exoskeleton.
When the crab is cooked, this toxin is destroyed and the meat is safe to eat. However, if you eat the meat raw or improperly cooked, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
In addition, you should avoid eating the liver and other organs of the crab, as they can contain high levels of toxins.
Does It Taste Good?
Yes, coconut crab tastes good. As mentioned above, the meat is delicate and sweet, with a flavor that is often compared to lobster or crab.
What Is Coconut Crab?
Westerners have known about this since Francis Drake’s voyages in the 1580s, the coconut crab is actually a rather interesting creature. It’s the largest land-living arthropod in the world and can grow to be over three feet wide from claw to claw. It’s also one of only a few species that can climb trees and is capable of descending headfirst.
The coconut crab (Birgus latro) is a large terrestrial hermit crab-like creature that is native to the Indian Ocean and parts of the Pacific Ocean. It’s the largest land-living arthropod in the world.
This unusual creature is not actually a crab at all, but rather a member of the family Coenobitidae, which includes hermit crabs. They get their name from their fondness for coconuts, which they often crack open with their powerful claws in order to eat the meat inside.
Coconut crabs are nocturnal creatures and spend most of their time hiding in burrows or among rocks during the day. At night, they come out to forage for food. In addition to coconuts, they will also eat other crabs, small mammals, birds, and even human flesh if given the opportunity.
While they’re found throughout the warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, coconut crabs are most abundant on Christmas Island, an Australian territory located in the Indian Ocean.
What Is The Nutritional Value of Coconut Crab?
The coconut crab is a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. 100 grams of cooked coconut crab contains:
19.4 grams of protein
3.7 grams of fat
1.1 grams of carbohydrates
76 mg of calcium
5 mg of iron
223 mg of phosphorus
358 mg of potassium
42.8 mg of zinc
What Are The Health Benefits of Coconut Crab?
In addition to being a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals, coconut crab also offers a number of other health benefits.
For one, it’s a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the zinc in coconut crab can help boost your immune system, while the iron helps support healthy red blood cells.
Coconut crab is also a low-calorie food, making it a good choice if you’re watching your weight. 100 grams of cooked coconut crab contains just 120 calories.