Echizen Crab: Phantom Brand Crab Raised by Winter Japan Sea

What is Echizen Crab?

Echizen crab is male snow crab caught in Fukui Prefecture with a yellow tag brand crab. Season is from the November 6 fishing opening to end of March the following year, characterized by sweet flesh and delicate umami. Known as the top brand among snow crabs across Japan.

Enjoying Echizen Crab

Echizen crab can be enjoyed various ways including boiled crab, sashimi (raw crab), grilled crab, and crab hot pot. Especially "Echizen's Number One Crab" from Echizen Town is the highest quality crab in early season, with first catches auctioned at high prices. Authentic Echizen crab can be savored at restaurant inns in Fukui City and Tsuruga City.

Difference from Matsuba Crab

The same snow crab is branded differently by production area, with Fukui, Ishikawa, and Toyama called "Echizen crab" and Kyoto, Hyogo, Tottori, and Shimane called "Matsuba crab." Echizen crab has particularly high brand power with highest quality pieces also used as gifts.