CRABS!!

As a 5 month resident of Maryland, I am experiencing certain foods in a new light.  Crab, however, is the epitome of East Coast cuisine, and I’m pretty sure I was handed a slice of heaven the first time I tried it.  Growing up in Minnesota, crab consisted of the red and white meat “sticks” that came prepackaged.  I didn’t realize I was missing out on so much. 

Now, I won’t go back.  And you won’t either once you’ve let a bit of crab imperial touch your lips. Crab is sweet and flaky, and not to be taken lightly.  I feel for all those watermen that have to shell each individual crab to get less than half an ounce of meat.  But Oooh, is it ever good.  Crab cakes, crab stuffed pretzels, crab dip, you really can’t go wrong in Maryland if you order crab.  Fried soft-shelled crab sandwiches are another story, but I’ll tell you about that another time. 

Crab is just wonderful.  Not simply because of its divine taste, but because, on top of that, it does pretty cool things to the body.  After you’ve stuffed your face with the amazingness that is crab, it provides your body with a ton of Vitamin B12. 

While high amounts of B12 are found in oyster, clams, and mussels, I think crab is a much more enjoyable way of getting the essential nutrient!  B12 is needed by EVERY single cell in order to function properly.  On top of that, it plays a role in metabolism, DNA synthesis, and is needed to regulate proper brain and nervous system function. If you don’t receive enough B12, Pernicious Anemia results causing you to feel sluggish and fatigued.  Depression, and, in severe cases, degeneration of the spinal cord could also result.  

I’ll pass…I could do without all those extra hassles. But if you don’t like crab (and you only don’t because you haven’t had REAL crab yet), hesitate not.  Try eating eggs, beef, or other types of fish instead.