The blue crab is native to the Atlantic Ocean, from Nova Scotia to Argentina, and is widespread in the Chesapeake Bay. These crabs should be cooked very fresh, as soon as they are dead, to avoid contamination of bacteria. Transporting and storing blue crabs alive is the best way to make sure they keep fresh and healthy.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Keeping the Blue Crabs Alive
Step 1. Collect some salt water near the place where you caught the crabs
You can use it to keep crustaceans alive.
Step 2. Choose a location where the temperature is around 10 ° C
Don't keep them in the fridge, they will die. Opt for a cool, shady place.
Step 3. The crabs that you want to eat within three days, place them in a humid place so that they do not become dry
However, never leave them in standing water. Make a container with sponges or spray the crabs regularly with water.
Leave a thin layer of water on the bottom. Stagnant and deep water is not suitable for shrimp
Step 4. The container you keep them in must let air through
Cover the container with a net so they can't escape. Crabs need fresh air to survive.
Step 5. Use a crate or bucket to keep them for more than three days
Buy a container suitable for live animals, with a mesh lid, and place it in shallow water where you can keep an eye on it. Alternatively, you can take a bucket and drill a few holes in it to create a suitable container.
- Make sure you make holes smaller than the crabs, so they can't escape. Make several holes in the bottom so that the water can get in and out.
- Put a mesh lid to close the container so the animals can get plenty of air.
- Place the container on the salt water, which mirrors their habitat.
Step 6. Feed the crabs small fish so they can keep themselves alive
Part 2 of 2: Transporting the Blue Crabs
Step 1. Catch the crabs
Keep some of the collected water on site.
Step 2. Get a cooler and fill the base with freezer packs of cooler
If you have to use ice, wipe off excess water from melting ice in the fridge.
Step 3. Equip yourself with a basket and place it on top of the ice
The basket can be made of plastic. Spray it with salt water but carefully, so as not to create stagnant water inside.
Step 4. Cover the fridge with damp jute
This material allows air to circulate.
