Tasting Huaiyang Cuisine along the Canal in Huai'an: Hongze Lake Hairy Crab - Bred by Hongze lake and Breeding Hongze Economy

Hongze Lake is located in the lower reaches of the Huai River in western Jiangsu province. It is the fourth largest freshwater lake in China. The lake features rich aquatic resources that provide natural diet for hairy crabs.

Hongze Lake Hairy Crabs [Photo by Meng Fan]

Hongze Lake Hairy crab is one of the local specialties as well as a product with national Geographical Indication (GI). It's also known as Chinese mitten crab. The autumn is the season of maturity for hairy crabs and bring them relatively huge body, green shell, white belly and tender meat. The male crabs have creamy meat while the female ones contain succulent roe.

Hongze Lake hairy crabs [Photo by Meng Fan]

An authentic Hongze Lake hairy crab has a mark on the back in the shape of "H", featuring dark green back, golden claws, dense patches of yellow hairs, and a white belly. It makes Hongze Lake hairy crab a true delicacy for the succulent milt and roe and the sweetness of the flesh.

Succulent Hongze Lake hairy crab [Photo by Meng Fan]

Hongze District of Huai'an city has a unique geographical advantage because of its closeness to Hongze Lake. Since the 1990s, Hongze Lake hairy crabs have been under captive breeding. Now it has become the pillar industry of local agricultural after more than two decades of development.

In recent years, Hongze District has also built regional brand based on the landmark product "Hongze Hairy crab" to maximize the advantages of local resources with a technology-led industry to guarantee the quality of crabs and promote the standardization of production.