Crab glossary

Bushel A box of between 60 and 110 crabs, depending on their size Brown crab There are over 4,500 species of crab across the world, found in both ocean and freshwater. The UK's most prevalent variety is the brown crab, or 'edible crab'

Brown crabmeat Distinct-tasting meat from the middle of the crab cavity, often used combined with white meat to form crab cakes

Blue crab Sweet, blue-green-hued crab found commonly in Asia, the US seaboard, the Aegean, Mediterranean and even the Venetian lagoon Busters Crabs that are about to molt or 'let' (shed their shells)

Hen crab Female of the species, said to be sweeter. Also known as she-crabs. Avoid 'berried' crabs – those carrying eggs. Male cock crabs have a fuller body and claws and a higher proportion of brown meat

King crab Alaska king crabs are one of the species' largest

Lump meat A highly prized cluster of delicately flavoured, firm white crabmeat, most often associated with blue crabs, that's revealed when the back swimmer legs are removed. It's the most expensive part of the crab

RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN FROM MOSQUITO SUPPER CLUB: CAJUN RECIPES FROM A DISAPPEARING

BAYOU BY MELISSA M MARTIN, PHOTOGRAPHY BY DENNY CULBERT (ARTISAN, £26.99).