Yes, Chinese mitten crab (also called hairy crab, Eriocheir sinensis) is edible and is considered a seasonal delicacy in parts of China and East Asia when properly sourced and cooked.
Safety and sourcing
- The crab itself is safe to eat when it comes from clean, regulated waters and passes food safety inspection, just like other edible crabs.
- Because mitten crabs can accumulate pollutants such as dioxins and PCBs, especially in the fatty “brown meat” and roe, authorities recommend moderate consumption and buying only from reputable, legal suppliers rather than wild or unknown sources.
How to eat it safely
- Always cook mitten crab thoroughly (commonly steamed whole) to kill bacteria and parasites; never eat it raw or undercooked.
- Do not eat the gills, intestines, stomach, or heart; people usually focus on the leg meat, body meat, and, in season, the roe or “cream.”
Who should be cautious
- Because the roe and brown meat are high in cholesterol and may concentrate pollutants, children, pregnant people, and those with high cholesterol, gout, or kidney disease are usually advised to limit how much they eat.
- As with any crab, avoid it if you have a shellfish allergy, and do not eat crabs that have been dead for a long time (over about a day at warm temperatures), since toxins and biogenic amines can build up in the tissues.
