Dungeness Crab Season in Sonoma County

Mid-November is the official start of the Dungeness crab season in Sonoma County. It actually run's till June but by then huge percentage of this tasty crustacean are sold out and as early as December.

To enjoy this wonderful fruit of the sea, crab lovers must flock their local crab stands or market before the end of the winter.

By January, every crab fans are looking forward to crab feeds within the county. Eat-all-you-can feast are offered in various areas. Dungeness crabs are so delicious and popular that tickets usually sell out. So, you better check the list of areas that features crab feeds and reserved early for tickets.

The harbor is the best place to buy the freshest crab. To get the most delectable taste out of the Dungeness crab or for any crab for that matter, is to get live ones and cook them after you arrive home.

If driving to the harbor is a hassle to you, local restaurants like Tides Wharf and Restaurant sell fressh crabs as well. Also, markets within county sell fresh crabs. Just buy where the crabs are kept alive.

Dungeness Crabs

Dungeness Crabs, as its Latin scientific (Cancer Magister) name aptly mean, is a "chief or major" shellfish in North America's West Coast. In fact, it is considered as a symbol of the Golden Gate fishing industry as proven by ubiquitous signs of the crab in the area.

It came to be called "Dungeness" because it is found in a fishing port with the same name. This species of crab abundantly dwells in sandy bottoms and requires cooler waters.

Dungeness crabs are highly prized shellfish because of its delicious meat, becoming a popular delicacy and the most commercially important crab in the area. Some folks in the Bay area even serve this crab alongside the traditional turkey during thanksgiving.

Like all crabs, the Dungeness crab is high in protein and minerals and low in fat. Its meat is about 25% of its actual weight, making it one of the meatiest crabs available. Most of the meat is in the eight legs and two claws, although the body contains plenty as well.

Eating it is quite an experience in itself. Oftentimes, you may need a nutcracker and shrimp fork to ferret out the crab meat. The Dungeness crab's own pointy "toe" may also be utilized to dig out the meat. At times, restaurants who offer this crab in their menu, has a small hammer for cracking. Interestingly, a few coastal people like to eat it with their bare hands.

The seafood festival held every October in Port Angeles City Pier has Dungeness crabs as its featured crustacean and Washington State implements crabbing regulations to protect this crab species.