Soft-shell crab festival celebration
The long-awaited Soft-Shell Week is finally here as it marks its second anniversary in the scenic locale of the Outer Banks. Beginning today, the celebration will run up until the 18th of May, offering locals and tourists a lip-smacking opportunity to delight in the delicacy of soft-shell blue crabs. This new annual event is at the heart of coastal feast, honouring the coastal harvest of these decapod crustaceans in their soft state post-molt.
As per the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, the tradition surrounding Soft-Shell Week traces back to the local love for soft-shell, or ‘peeler’ crabs, as they are often called. Recognized as one of the region’s indigenous delicacies, these crabs have a limited period of availability, which has sparked a frenzy among the seafood fanatics.
This year, over 30 renowned restaurants have pledged their participation in the foodie fiesta, ensuring an array of diverse recipes and cooking styles at reasonable prices. Thus, ensuring the crowd, local and visitors alike, get a chance to savour this exquisite coastal delicacy. The People’s Choice Award last year was won by Basnight’s Lone Cedar for their alluring crab preparation. The suspense surrounding this year’s winner is already elevating the anticipation!
Soft-Shell Week is an excellent opportunity to highlight the local blue crabs from the Pamlico, Roanoke, Croatan, and Albemarle Sounds, harvested by diligent watermen families. The freshness of the catch, combined with the culinary expertise of local chefs who buy these crabs at seafood markets, promises an unbeatable gastronomical experience.
Soft-Shell Week not only glorifies the native produce and distinct art of regional cooking but also contributes vibrantly to the Outer Banks food scene. Since its inception last spring, the event has seen active participation from locals and tourists, marking it a runaway success.
What sets these crustaceans apart is their limited period of availability in contrast to the hard shell blue crabs available throughout the year. This event encapsulates the unique natural mollification process the crabs undergo during the full moon phase in late spring or early fall. This phenomenon increases the crabs’ size and softens their shell, rendering them as Soft-Shell Crabs.
For more information about the Outer Banks Soft-Shell Week and to immerse yourself fully in the world of peeler crabs, visit the official Outer Banks’ website and start curating your peeler eating itinerary.