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Peekytoe Crabs
The peekytoe crab story is an interesting one. These are Maine rock
or sand crabs which were pretty much a throwaway by-product of
lobster fishing before a brilliant marketing move changed their name
to "peekytoes" around 1997. They are classified as
Cancer irroratus, also known as bay crab and rock crab. You'll find a photo here.
Nowadays this crab is highly sought by the most discriminating chefs
around the world.
There are a couple of theories on how it became known as "peekytoe
crab." Peekytoe is the slang name for these crabs in the lobster
fishing villages of Maine. Rod Mitchell, the owner of the Browne
Trading Company, a seafood wholesaler in Portland, is credited with
the marketing genius of calling them by their slang name.
Peekytoe comes from ''picked toe'' -- ''picked'' pronounced as if it had
two syllables (rhyming with picket) -- because the crab leg has a very
sharp point that turns inward. ''Picked" is Maine slang for pointed. Others called them "picket toe." The Maine accent no doubt contributed to the resulting name of "peekytoe." You'll even find them called "picky toe" on some menus.
Other than being a specific type of Atlantic rock crab, the other thing
that sets this crabmeat apart is the care with which they are
handled, cooked and picked. They cannot be shipped live. Picking
over the meat to remove all bits of shell and strict adherence to
freshness makes good pickers very much in demand by chefs.
Peekytoes are caught in waters 20- to 40-feet deep, in traps baited
with bits of fish. They are not to be confused with Jonah crabs. The
meat is pink with a sweet, delicate flavor. Maine crab, stone crab or
Dungeness crab can be substituted for peekytoe as long as it is fresh
and unpasteurized. Return to Crab Information and Recipes
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