Store live crabs this way, and they will still be fresh and lively after a few days

After buying live crabs and taking them home, if they are stored improperly, they will soon become thin and weak or even die, and both their quality and taste will decline noticeably. This is especially true for river crabs and similar species; after death, bacteria easily breed inside them, so eating them is generally not recommended, which makes mastering the correct storage method very necessary.

The most commonly used method is refrigeration. Tie the crabs' legs and claws to reduce activity and energy consumption, then place them in the refrigerator compartment, cover them with a wet towel to maintain humidity, and keep the temperature just above freezing. In this environment the crabs enter a state similar to dormancy and can generally survive for a few days. Be careful not to store them together with strongly odorous foods.

When there are a larger number of crabs, a deeper bucket or basin can also be used for storage. Add water to the bucket without covering the crabs' bodies, so the crabs can stick out of the water to breathe; if the water level is too deep, they are more likely to suffer from lack of oxygen. When storing sea crabs, an appropriate amount of salt water can be added to better resemble their original living environment.

During storage, place the container in a cool, well-ventilated place, avoid direct sunlight, and check the crabs' vitality every day. Any individuals that move sluggishly or have difficulty turning over should be picked out and dealt with as soon as possible. Overall, live crabs are not suitable for long-term storage; after buying them, it is still best to cook them as soon as possible so you can eat plump, fresh, sweet crab meat.

It should also be noted that if a crab is found to have died, especially a river crab, it is best to discard it directly rather than forcing yourself to eat it. A crab that still reacts when touched and blows bubbles is still alive, and can continue to be stored by the methods above, or be cooked directly in the pot.