How to Clean Live Blue Crab

Crabs should be purchased live and as close to the time of cooking as possible. They should actively move their claws; however, if the crabs have been refrigerated, they will not be very active. Do not purchase any crabs that do not show these signs of life.

Cleaning crabs is really easy with a little practice. They can be cleaned at the sink but, it's best to clean them outside to keep the mess out of the wife's kitchen.

	Ice the crabs down for 5 to 10 minutes. This will slow them down and allow you to handle them with your bare hands.
	Place the crab down on a stable surface. Use one hand to hold down the crab by his legs. Use the other hand and pry the top shell off of the crab towards the free side. This will kill the crab instantly.
	Your crab should now look like this.
	Flip the crab over and peel off the apron.
	Flip the crab again and peel off the face.
	Now peel/remove the crab's gills.
	Rinse out the crab's entrails with a water.
	You now have a crab ready for the gumbo pot.