Usually thought of as exclusively a Florida Keys delicacy, the Stone Crab inhabits both coasts of south Florida as well as the Florida Keys. This is the largest of the mud crabs, and the source of the delectable seafood dish, stone crab claws. Its catch is carefully regulated and in Florida it is illegal to take the whole crabs. The large claws are broken off and the live crab is returned to the water so that it can regenerate new claws.
Most crustaceans are able to regenerate a new claw in 2 molts.
The beauty of this prized shellfish with its sweet buttery taste is that all you have to do is bring it home, crack the shell and serve with melted butter – or if you insist, another type sauce. You can heat the meat prior to serving, but it is not necessary. It’s hard to resist something that tastes this good and requires so little preparation
