01 · Male or female: what is the difference?

Female hairy crabs are sought after for their orange, granular roe. Male crabs have paler, translucent milt. If guests have different preferences, mix the two. The amount and appearance inside each crab naturally vary; a product photograph cannot guarantee that every crab opens up identically.

02 · Five or six taels?

iBuddies offers Jiangsu hairy crabs in 5- and 6-tael sizes this season, with male and female crabs available individually. A 5-tael crab works well when guests want to sample both sexes alongside other dishes. Choose the 6-tael size if opening crabs is the focus of the meal. Weight is a size specification, not a promise of a fixed amount of roe or milt in any one crab.

03 · Six, eight or ten: how do mixed orders work?

Male and female crabs of the same size can be combined when calculating the quantity tier. Five- and six-tael crabs are counted separately. For example, three male plus three female 5-tael crabs qualify for the six-to-seven-crab tier for that size. Single crabs are also available. A six-crab order may suit a smaller tasting meal; eight lets more guests have a crab each; ten allows a longer crab-focused gathering.

Seasonal prices, included accessories, availability and delivery dates can change. Before ordering, give the team your headcount, size and preferred male/female mix so they can confirm the current total and delivery arrangement.

04 · Storage and cooking: the essentials

Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety advises buying live crabs. If you are not cooking them immediately, place them in a clean container in the refrigerator, below cooked food. Brush the shells, legs and claws thoroughly with water before cooking, including the hairy claws where mud collects. Do not stack crabs in the steamer: each one must cook thoroughly. Vinegar, wine and other condiments do not make an undercooked crab safe. Remove the internal organs before eating. Eat cooked crab promptly and do not leave it at room temperature for more than two hours.