How Old Are Crab?

by Jimmy
(Philadelphia)

How old, normally, is the crab that we buy at the market, ie, dungeness crab?

Good question, Jimmy! Dungeness crabs can live as long as 13 years, but normally around 8-10 years old. I would suspect that King, Dungeness and Snow crabs could live even longer in ideal conditions.
One way to tell an older, more mature crab from the younger crabs is not only from its size, but also color. Older crabs from 4-5 years or longer will take on a deeper purple colored tones in their shells and also produce barnacles on their shells from being on the ocean's floor longer. The undersides of an older male, too, will advance a dark coloration of deep dark beige and brownish colors.
Also, when cooking crabs up, some older crabs can also have an ammonia-like smell to their meat. Don't let the smell back you away from feasting on them! The meat is still sweet and delicious and being a bigger and more mature crab means...more yummy meat!
So, normally, if you purchase crabs, like Dungeness, still in their shell at the store and wondering how to pick a good ol' boy crab... Pick one that is purple toned or deep dark red toned.