The velvet crab (Necora puber), from France or Great Britain, lives on seabeds near the coast and can be found between rocks and stones close to rafts up to a depth of 70 metres. As with other species, the estuary velvet crab is normally differentiated from those from France or Great Britain.
The velvet crab is a decapod of the crab family. Their shell is hexagonal in shape, dark brown in colour, and covered with velvet-like hairs. It has five pairs of legs and two claws, which are larger on males, with dark lines on the legs.
The velvet crab, like most shellfish, is usually boiled, which unlocks its intense flavours. They should be put in hot water if dead and cold water if alive. In both cases, the best way to boil them is in seawater with a small bay leaf, or failing that, in water with plenty of salt. Boil them for around 7 minutes, then remove and leave to cool.
Name: Velvet crab (Necora puber)
FAO 3-alpha code: LIO
Catch or farming area: FAO-27
Sub-area: To be specified at time of delivery
Method of production: Captured
Fishing gear: Pots
Store between: 0-4°C
IMPORTANT: The net quantity and expiry date of the product shall be specified at the time of delivery.