Dungeness are found from Santa Barbara, California, to the eastern Aleutian Islands off Alaska in the intertidal zone and to depths of over 1,000 feet. Typically, California, Oregon and Washington are the largest producers, followed by Alaska. Juvenile males and females are returned alive to the sea to ensure future harvests. The crabs are caught in circular steel traps, called pots, measuring 36 to 48 inches in diameter. Product Profile A world standard for premium crab, sweet, flavorful and semi-nutty, Dungeness has been likened to the shellfish version of an artichoke heart.
Leg meat is slightly firmer than body meat.
Live Dungeness crabs are purplish-brown in color. When cooked, the shell turns bright orange. The cooked meat is opaque white. Live crabs should be active in holding tanks. Cool and crack and then serve with melted butter or a sauce.