Rare white crabs fetch gourmets' appeal

The breeding process for the "White Jade Crab" involved selecting from tens of thousands of crab larvae to find those with the purest white shells for subsequent generations, with a retention rate of only around 5 percent.

"This rigorous selection process, repeated over several generations, has resulted in the formation of the 'White Jade Crab' breed," introduced by postdoctoral researcher Zhang Dongdong. The lack of astaxanthin and β-carotene in the shell results in the "White Jade Crab." Nevertheless, the edible rate and nutritional value of the edible portion of this breed do not differ from those of green-shelled crabs.

With higher proportions of large-size crabs, the "White Jade Crab" has been introduced and reared in multiple cities across China with a total covering of nearly 1,000 acres. It is expected to hit the high-end market with its distinctive appearance and packaging in large quantities this fall, offering consumers an exquisite dining experience with its tender meat and rich roe.