Page:The Chinese cook book.djvu/136

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Crabs are found most abundantly in salt water. The best quality is found in a place where the salt and fresh water mix. Although they exist all the year round, the best months for crabs are February, July, and August. In buying crabs always look for the heavy ones. The light ones contain too much water.

Naturally the most delicious food is crab. This is the only meat which contains enough salt and oil to fit any one's taste.

In cooking crab, therefore, all that is necessary is to wash and steam it until the crab turns red. Serve when hot. Sometimes red vinegar is used in serving but it is not necessary.

Never add salt or oil or butter of any kind because it spoils the flavor.