Why Cornish king crab should be the star of your next springtime dinner party

Looking to enjoy some fresh, locally caught seafood sourced from the shores of Cornwall? Cornish King Crab, formerly known as Spider Crab, makes for a great centrepiece at your next spring feast and with a high number of Cornish fishermen and merchants selling direct, there is plenty to go around. 

Although Cornish King Crab is one of the most common species to appear along our beautiful coastline, it has been historically overlooked as a tasty addition to our dinner plates. According to YouGov, two thirds of Brits surveyed said they’d choose Cornish King Crab versus less than half admitting they wouldn’t choose to eat its previously known label – Spider Crab.  

William Harvey runs Shellfish Exporter, W Harvey & Sons which has been selling Cornish King Crab since the 1950s; “They’re still not as sought after as Brown Crab and Lobster which is a shame because it’s an amazing product. I think culturally we’re so used to eating Brown Crab and I think before the rebrand people would be put off by the name ‘Spider Crab’.  

“We’ve got deep roots in the local economy, it would be of huge benefit to Cornwall if we could supply more to UK restaurants and cafes.” 

Sales for Cornish King Crab meat increased by 400% following the rebrand in 2021 but a staggering 85-90% of Cornish King Crabs landed last year were still exported to Europe. It is a delicacy in France and a popular sight on Spanish menus – so why not here? 

Its sweet, succulent meat with a yield of around 35% more white than brown, makes Cornish King Crab a versatile ingredient that can elevate any dish. From classic crab salads to innovative Basque-style Changurro, Cornish King Crab lends itself to a myriad of dishes waiting to be explored by chefs, home-cooks and self-proclaimed foodies alike. 

Opting for locally sourced seafood like Cornish King Crab is not only delicious but significantly reduces the food miles associated with your meal. Caught by day boats no more than a few miles off the Cornish coast, you can count the number of food miles, or food metres on one hand. 

As we navigate the complexities of sustainable living, every choice we make matters. By embracing Cornish King Crab, not only do we indulge in a delectable seafood experience, but we also support local fishermen and lower the carbon impact of this fishery and our food choices.

So, next time you’re planning a seafood feast, why not make Cornish King Crab the star of the show? Let’s savour sustainability, one delicious bite at a time.