Soft-shell crab season is upon us. Fried, sauteed, sandwiched or standing alone, this Outer Banks seasonal delicacy is not to be missed. So what goes into the catching and preparation of your soft-shell crab entree? From local waters to local plates, find the answer to this question and more below!

Why Crabs Shed

When a crab gets too large for its shell, it undergoes a molting process to shed its exoskeleton, leaving behind a soft shell underneath. The soft shell immediately starts to harden and will completely harden within a couple of days.

When Does Soft-shell Season Start?

Crabs generally shed to accommodate summer growth. Opinions vary regarding when the season for soft-shell crabs truly begins -- the first full moon of May is an oft-cited start date. More generally, late Spring through early-to-mid Summer is the time to enjoy the seasonal treat.

To Catch the Ideal Crab for Shedding....

To catch a crab on the verge of molting, pots are baited with male crabs known as Jimmy crabs. Since soft-shell crab season corresponds with the crabs' mating season, a large male crab is likeliest to capture the attention of potential suitors.

So We've Caught the Crab, Now What?

Once crabs are caught, they are sorted based on how quickly they will shed. This is identified by a peel line on the back fin of the crab. This line gets progressively more red as the the crab approaches its molt. A red line means it will likely shed that day, while a pink line means shedding could still take 2-4 days.

Once a crab molts, it immediately begins to harden, so they must be watched closely in shedding tanks to be pulled and packed in coolers at just the right time.

Eat Soft-shells Locally, In-Season

The best soft-shell crabs are cooked while still alive, so it's important to eat them locally and during the season. Below are a few of my favorite restaurants to enjoy them while they are at their peak.

A special shout-out to Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe, where they catch their own crabs and molt on-site for the freshest crab on the beach!

Leave a comment on Facebook with your favorite places to indulge in the summer treat!