Duy Phát Soft-Shell Crab (Two-Shell Crab) – A Nutritious Premium Delicacy
What is soft-shell crab? Why is it highly sought after in the market?
Soft-shell crab also known as two-shell crab, soft crab (English: Soft-shell crab) is a crab in the process of shedding its old shell to grow a new one. This is a special stage in the crab’s growth cycle, when the entire old shell has been shed and the new shell has not yet hardened, creating a product that is edible shell and all, with no peeling required.
Duy Phát soft-shell crab is raised according to a modern farming model, applying advanced technology to precisely monitor when the crabs molt and harvest them promptly within the golden window of 6-12 hours after molting, ensuring the product is of the highest quality and rich in nutrients and has export value.
With its distinctive sweet, rich flavor, firm meat, and ease of preparation, soft-shell crab has become a premium dish favored at upscale restaurants, 5-star hotels, and in export markets such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and the United States.
Outstanding features of Duy Phát soft-shell crab
1. The entire crab is soft – Edible shell and all
This is precisely the most distinctive feature of soft-shell crab compared with regular crab. When a crab is molting, its entire body becomes soft, with no hard shell remaining, from the carapace, claws, and legs to the internal parts.
Benefits:
✅ Saves preparation time: No peeling is required; simply rinse and cook immediately
✅ Get all the nutrients: Crab shells contain abundant calcium and chitosan which are beneficial for bones, joints, and the digestive system
✅ Crispy texture: When fried or grilled, the soft crab shell becomes deliciously crispy without a fishy odor
✅ No waste: 100% of the crab can be used
2. Sweet, rich meat – Full of flavor
Duy Phát soft-shell crab is raised in a clean brackish-water environment, feeding on natural foods such as trash fish, shrimp, clams, and snails, which gives the crab meat a naturally sweet, rich flavor.
Characteristics of soft-shell crab meat:
🦀 White, smooth meat: Not mushy and not fishy
🦀 Sweet, rich flavor: Characteristic of brackish-water crab
🦀 Full of roe: Female crabs have rich, golden roe
🦀 Firm crab tomalley: Male crabs have fragrant, nutty, ivory-white tomalley
3. Easy to prepare – A wide variety of dishes
Because it is soft throughout, with no peeling required, soft-shell crab is an ideal ingredient for many dishes:
🍽️ Crispy fried soft-shell crab: The most popular dish, with a fragrant, crispy shell and sweet meat
🍽️ Salt-and-chili grilled soft-shell crab: Wonderfully aromatic and appealing
🍽️ Tamarind-glazed soft-shell crab: Sweet, sour, and flavorful
🍽️ Sweet-and-sour stir-fried soft-shell crab: An Asian-European fusion dish
🍽️ Soft-shell crab tempura: Japanese-style, with a light, crispy batter
🍽️ Soft-shell crab sushi: A premium dish in Japan
🍽️ Garlic-butter grilled soft-shell crab: Irresistibly aromatic
4. Premium product – High export value
Soft-shell crab is one of the highest-value seafood products, particularly in international markets.
Why is soft-shell crab so valuable?
💰 Difficult to farm: Only 10-15% of crabs in a pond molt successfully, resulting in a low harvest rate
💰 Short golden window: There are only 6-12 hours to harvest soft-shell crabs at their highest quality
💰 Highly technical requirements: Experience and technology are needed to identify crabs that are about to molt
💰 High demand: Especially in Japan, South Korea, and the United States, where soft-shell crab is a premium dish
💰 Difficult to preserve: Soft-shell crabs must remain alive and be transported with chilled oxygenation within 24-48 hours
Soft-shell crab prices are 3-5 times higher than those of regular crabs of the same size, especially for export.
The exceptional nutritional value of soft-shell crab
Soft-shell crab is not only delicious but also a valuable source of nutrients, particularly suitable for older adults, children, and people who need nutritional support to improve their health.
1. Rich in protein – Builds muscle
In 100g of soft-shell crab meat there are:
- Protein: 15-18g (accounting for 70-75% of the nutritional value)
- Fat: 2-3g (low in fat and good for cardiovascular health)
- Calories: Approximately 90-110 kcal
Crab protein is a complete protein, containing all essential amino acids and being easily absorbed, helping to:
✅ Build and repair muscle
✅ Strengthen the immune system
✅ Support growth in children
✅ Maintain muscle mass in older adults
2. Rich in calcium – Strong, healthy bones
Soft-shell crab, especially when eaten shell and all, is an abundant source of calcium :
- Calcium: 100-150mg/100g of crab meat
- Soft crab shell: Provides additional calcium from chitosan
Benefits of calcium:
🦴 Prevents osteoporosis in older adults
🦴 Helps build strong, healthy bones in children
🦴 Prevents rickets in young children
🦴 Reduces the risk of bone fractures in postmenopausal women
3. Provides phosphorus – Enhances memory
Phosphorus plays an important role in:
✅ Brain developmentand memory enhancement
✅ Energy metabolism in the body
✅ Combining with calcium to build bones and teeth
✅ Improving nervous system function
4. Rich in iron – Prevents anemia
The iron in soft-shell crab helps:
✅ Red blood cell production, prevent anemia
✅ Improve blood circulation
✅ Strengthen the body’s resistance
✅ Reduce fatigue and dizziness
It is particularly suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women and people recovering from surgery.
5. Omega-3 and valuable micronutrients
Soft-shell crab also provides:
🧠 Omega-3: Good for cardiovascular and brain health
🧠 Zinc: Enhances sexual health and improves the skin
🧠 Selenium: Provides antioxidant protection and helps prevent aging
🧠 Vitamin B12: Supports the nervous system
🧠 Iodine: Good for the thyroid gland
6. Chitosan from crab shells – A miracle weight-loss aid
When eating soft-shell crab with the shell, you receive chitosan – a special type of fiber that helps:
✅ Absorb fat in the intestines, aiding weight loss
✅ Reduce bad cholesterol (LDL)
✅ Improve the digestive system
✅ Increase feelings of fullnessand reduce food cravings
✅ Reduce inflammation and fight bacteria
Duy Phát’s modern soft-shell crab farming process
Step 1: Select high-quality juvenile crabs
Duy Phát soft-shell crab is raised from blue crabs and field crabs with traceable origins:
- Size: 50-80g/crab (juvenile crabs)
- Source: Bred in-house or purchased from reputable hatcheries
- Inspection: Healthy and disease-free
Step 2: Grow-out farming (Growth stage)
The crabs are raised in earthen ponds with brackish water (salinity of 5-15‰) for 4-6 months to reach market size (80-150g/crab).
Diet:
🦀 Trash fish and small shrimp: 40% (provides protein)
🦀 Clams and snails: 30% (calcium and minerals)
🦀 Pelleted feed: 30% (balanced nutrition)
Farming environment:
- Temperature: 26-28°C
- pH: 7.5-8.5
- Dissolved oxygen: >5 mg/l
- Scheduled water changes: 2-3 times/week
Step 3: Sort crabs that are about to molt – The most important technique
This is the most difficult step, requiring extensive experience and advanced technical expertise. Duy Phát technicians receive specialized training to identify crabs that are about to molt based on the following signs:
🔍 The crab shell softens: The carapace feels soft when gently pressed
🔍 White marks on the legs: The rear swimming legs have faint white edges
🔍 The crab stops eating: 1-2 days before molting, the crab stops eating or eats less
🔍 The crab hides in a burrow: It seeks a secluded place to molt
Step 4: Separate them – Raise them in controlled tanks
Crabs that are about to molt are separatedand raised in separate tanks with:
- Stocking density: 10-20 crabs/m² (to prevent them from attacking one another)
- Clean water: Continuous water changes and sufficient oxygen
- Temperature: 26-28°C (optimal for molting)
- No feeding: During the molting stage
Step 5: Monitor 24/7 – Harvest promptly
Golden window: The crabs complete the molting process within 6-12 hours. After 12 hours, the new shell begins to harden.
Harvesting process:
⏰ Inspect every 2-3 hours (both day and night)
⏰ Harvest immediately once the crab has finished molting, before the new shell hardens
⏰ Rinse: With a mild saltwater solution
⏰ Chill: Cold-shock at 0-2°C to stop the crab’s development and prevent the shell from hardening
Step 6: Grade – Package – Transport
Grading:
- Size S: 80-100g/crab (exported to Japan and South Korea)
- Size M: 100-120g/crab (the most common size)
- Size L: 120-150g/crab (premium, for 5-star hotels)
Packaging:
📦 Live crabs: Foam box + gel ice packs + oxygen (for the domestic market and nearby export markets)
📦 Frozen crabs: IQF at -18°C (for distant export markets)
Transportation:
🚚 Domestic: Within 24 hours (ensuring a 95% survival rate)
✈️ Export: By air within 24-48 hours (chilled oxygenation, 90% survival rate)
Markets for Duy Phát soft-shell crab
1. Upscale restaurants – 5-star hotels
Soft-shell crab is a dish luxurious and upscale, commonly featured on the menus of:
🏨 5-star hotels: InterContinental, Sheraton, JW Marriott, Vinpearl
🍽️ High-end seafood restaurants: Appetizer or main course
🍽️ Japanese and Korean restaurants: Tempura, sushi, grilled dishes
🍽️ Seafood buffets: The most appealing dish
Advantages of using Duy Phát soft-shell crabs:
✅ Consistent quality: Uniform size, completely soft shells
✅ Large-volume supply: Meeting the needs of buffets and events
✅ On-time delivery: Guaranteed 95% live arrival rate
✅ Technical support: Advice on storage and preparation
2. High-end supermarkets
Soft-shell crabs are distributed at high-end supermarkets such as:
🛒 Aeon Mall, Lotte Mart: Fresh seafood counter
🛒 VinMart, Co.opmart: Premium products section
🛒 Organic food chains: Organic Market, Farmer’s Market
Supermarket packaging:
- Clear plastic containers
- Traceability label with QR code
- Storage and preparation instructions
3. Exports – Key markets
Duy Phát soft-shell crab currently exports to the following markets:
🇯🇵 Japan:
- Demand: 200-300 metric tons/year
- Popular dishes: Soft-shell crab tempura, soft-shell crab sushi
- Requirements: 100-120g in size, completely soft shells, no antibiotic residues
- Price: 800,000 – 1,200,000 VND/kg
🇰🇷 South Korea:
- Demand: 150-200 metric tons/year
- Dishes: Fried soft-shell crab, grilled soft-shell crab
- Requirements: Live and fresh, packaged in chilled oxygenated conditions
- Price: 700,000 – 1,000,000 VND/kg
🇸🇬 Singapore:
- Demand: 50-100 metric tons/year
- Market: Chinese, American, and Japanese restaurants
- Price: 600,000 – 900,000 VND/kg
🇺🇸 United States:
- Demand: 500+ metric tons/year
- Dishes: Soft-shell crab sandwich, fried soft-shell crab
- Requirements: FDA compliance, HACCP
- Price: 1,000,000 – 1,500,000 VND/kg
🇨🇳 China (Hong Kong, Taiwan):
- Demand: 100-150 metric tons/year
- Dishes: Sweet-and-sour stir-fried soft-shell crab, crispy fried soft-shell crab
- Price: 500,000 – 800,000 VND/kg
Comparison between soft-shell crabs and regular crabs
| Criterion | Soft-shell crab | Regular crabs |
|---|---|---|
| Shell | Entirely soft and edible | Hard, must be shelled |
| Meat | Less (because they are still developing) | More |
| How to eat | Eat the entire shell; no shelling required | Must be shelled |
| Price | 3-5 times higher | Lower |
| Preparation | Fried, grilled, tempura | Steamed, boiled, salt-roasted |
| Nutrition | The shell contains chitosan and calcium | Primarily protein |
| Market | Premium, export | Mass market |
How to select fresh, high-quality soft-shell crabs
To select high-quality soft-shell crabs, pay attention to the following:
✅ Live crabs: They move when touched and are not dead
✅ Entirely soft shells: Gently press the carapace, legs, and claws; they should all be soft
✅ Natural color: Dark blue-green or greenish brown, not pitch-black
✅ No foul fishy odor: Natural ocean scent
✅ Intact claws and legs: Not broken or missing
✅ Full of roe/milt: Females have yellow roe; males have white milt
Note: NEVER buy soft-shell crabs that are:
❌ Dead (no movement, foul odor)
❌ Beginning to reharden (harvested too late)
❌ Pitch-black and not fresh
❌ Strongly fishy-smelling (a sign they have been stored too long)
How to store soft-shell crabs properly
Short-term storage (6-12 hours):
- Keep the crabs alive: Place them in a foam box
- Gel ice packs: Place gel ice packs around them (do not let the crabs touch the ice directly)
- Keep moist: Cover them with a damp towel
- Temperature: 0-4°C (refrigerator compartment)
Long-term storage (3-6 months):
- Wash the crabs thoroughly
- Remove the internal organs (if desired)
- Vacuum-pack or use zip bags
- Freeze: -18°C (freezer compartment)
Tip: When thawing, soak the crabs in cold water or leave them in the refrigerator overnight. DO NOT thaw at room temperature.
Delicious soft-shell crab dishes – Detailed instructions
1. Crispy fried soft-shell crab – A classic dish
Ingredients:
- Soft-shell crabs: 500g (4-6 crabs)
- Crispy-frying flour: 200g
- Beer or cold water: 150ml
- Salt, pepper, minced garlic
Instructions:
Step 1: Wash the crabs thoroughly, cut off the eyes and mouth, and remove the internal organs (or leave them intact if preferred)
Step 2: Marinate the crabs with salt, pepper, and minced garlic for 15 minutes
Step 3: Mix the batter: frying flour + beer + a little salt → a thick mixture
Step 4: Dip the crabs in the batter and deep-fry at 170-180°C until golden and crispy (5-7 minutes)
Step 5: Remove and drain off the oil
Serve with: Lime-pepper salt, fresh herbs, cucumber
2. Garlic-butter grilled soft-shell crab – Wonderfully aromatic
Ingredients:
- Soft-shell crabs: 500g
- Butter: 50g
- Garlic: 10 cloves (finely minced)
- Scallions, cilantro, chili peppers
Instructions:
Step 1: Wash the crabs thoroughly and cut them in half
Step 2: Heat the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant
Step 3: Brush the crabs with garlic butter
Step 4: Grill over charcoal or bake in the oven at 200°C for 10-15 minutes
Step 5: Sprinkle with scallions, cilantro, and chili peppers
Serve with: Baguette or rice
3. Soft-shell crab tempura – Japanese style
Ingredients:
- Soft-shell crabs: 500g
- Tempura flour: 150g
- Ice water: 200ml
- Cooking oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Mix the tempura flour with ice water (keep cold)
Step 2: Lightly coat the crabs in the batter
Step 3: Quick-fry at 170°C for 3-4 minutes
Step 4: Remove and drain off the oil
Serve with: Tempura dipping sauce (soy sauce + ginger + grated daikon)
4. Tamarind-glazed soft-shell crab – Deliciously sweet and sour
Ingredients:
- Soft-shell crabs: 500g
- Tamarind: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic, chili peppers, onion
Instructions:
Step 1: Lightly fry the crabs
Step 2: Sauté the garlic, chili peppers, and onion
Step 3: Add the crabs, then add tamarind + sugar + water
Step 4: Stir well until the sauce reduces and coats the crabs
Serve with: Hot rice
Special health benefits of soft-shell crabs
1. Good for older adults
Soft-shell crab very suitable for older adults because they are:
✅ Easy to digest: Soft shells that require little chewing
✅ Rich in calcium: Helps prevent osteoporosis and fractures
✅ Protein supplementation: Helps maintain muscle mass
✅ Omega-3: Good for cardiovascular and brain health
✅ Helps combat arthritis: Chitosan has anti-inflammatory effects
2. Good for children
✅ Calcium and phosphorus: Support bone and tooth development
✅ Protein: Supports height growth
✅ DHA: Supports brain development and improves memory
✅ Iron: Helps prevent anemia
3. Good for pregnant women
✅ Protein and calcium: For the mother and fetus
✅ Iron: Helps prevent anemia during pregnancy
✅ Omega-3: Supports fetal brain development
Note: Only eat thoroughly cooked crab; do not eat raw crab
4. Good for gym-goers and athletes
✅ High in protein and low in fat: Builds muscle and reduces fat
✅ Zinc: Increases testosterone and improves sexual function
✅ Iron: Enhances endurance
5. Good for people who want to lose weight
✅ Low in calories: Only 90-110 kcal/100g
✅ Chitosan from the shell: Absorbs fat and reduces cholesterol
✅ High in protein: Increase feelings of fullness
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does Duy Phát use chemicals to induce molting in its soft-shell crabs?
No. The crabs molt naturally according to their growth cycle, without the use of any chemicals.
2. Are soft-shell crab shells edible?
They are completely edible. Soft-shell crab shells are soft and rich in calcium and chitosan, making them very beneficial for health.
3. How do soft-shell crabs differ from regular crabs?
Soft-shell crabs are crabs in the process of molting; their entire bodies are soft, and the shells are edible. Regular crabs have hard shells that must be removed.
4. Where can I buy soft-shell crabs from a reputable supplier?
Contact: 0937 117 211 – Duy Phát supplies live, fresh soft-shell crabs with guaranteed quality.
5. How much do soft-shell crabs cost?
Prices range from 500,000 – 1,200,000 VND/kg depending on size and market. Contact us for a detailed quotation.
6. How long can soft-shell crabs be stored?
- Live and fresh: 6-12 hours (on ice)
- Frozen: 3-6 months (-18°C)
7. Can soft-shell crabs be exported?
Yes. Duy Phát exports to Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and the United States with all required documents and certifications.
8. I would like to become a distribution partner. What should I do?
Contact: 0937 117 211 for advice on partnership policies and wholesale pricing.
Duy Phát’s commitments to customers
✅ Quality: Live, fresh soft-shell crabs with 100% soft shells and no chemicals
✅ Origin: Transparent traceability with a QR code
✅ Pricing: The most competitive prices on the market, with wholesale pricing support
✅ Delivery: On time, with a 95% live arrival rate
✅ Packaging: Professional and safety-assured
✅ Support: Advice on farming techniques, preparation, and export
✅ Returns: If the product does not meet the promised quality standards
CONCLUSION – ORDER DUY PHÁT SOFT-SHELL CRABS NOW!
Duy Phát soft-shell crabs (two-shell crabs) are the perfect choice for anyone who loves premium, nutrient-rich seafood. With modern farming processes, timely harvesting, and a commitment to quality – safety – transparency, we are proud to be a trusted partner of restaurants, hotels, and export markets.
🦀 ORDER NOW – RECEIVE SPECIAL OFFERS!
📞 Hotline/Zalo: 0937 117 211
📧 Email: duyphat.astp.hcmc@gmail.com
🏢 Address: 1415/14/35/27B, Hamlet 33, Hiệp Phước Commune, Ho Chi Minh City
🌐 Website: https://nongnghiepduyphat.vn
📱 Facebook: Duy Phát Agricultural Production Trading Service Co., Ltd.
🛒 Shopee: Duy Phát AST
🎁 THIS MONTH’S OFFERS:
✨ 10% off for first-time customers
✨ 15% off for orders of 50kg or more
✨ Free shipping Ho Chi Minh City (orders from 20 kg)
✨ Free guide on preparing delicious dishes from soft-shell crab
✨ Export support for customers in need
🌟 WHY CHOOSE DUY PHÁT SOFT-SHELL CRAB?
✔️ 15+ years of experience in professional crab farming
✔️ Modern farm with IoT technology for 24/7 monitoring
✔️ Experienced technicians in identifying crabs that are about to molt
✔️ High harvest rate (15-20% of the crab stock molts successfully)
✔️ International exports to Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and the U.S.
✔️ VietGAP certified, with GlobalGAP and ASC certification in progress
✔️ 5-star ratings from upscale restaurants and hotels
📣 CONTACT US NOW TO RECEIVE:
✅ In-depth consultation on soft-shell crab
✅ The best price quote based on quantity
✅ Product samples (for large orders)
✅ Long-term supply contracts for restaurants and hotels
✅ Export support (documentation, logistics)
🛒 ORDER ONLINE QUICKLY:
💻 Website: https://nongnghiepduyphat.vn
🛍️ Shopee: https://shopee.vn/duyphat_ast (Nationwide delivery, many special offers)
📱 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571583510638 (Send us a direct message for consultation)
📞 Hotline: 0937 117 211 (24/7 support)
DUY PHÁT AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION TRADING SERVICE COMPANY LIMITED
“Quality – Sustainability – Trust”
🦀 DUY PHÁT SOFT-SHELL CRAB – A PREMIUM, NUTRITIOUS DELICACY!
📞 CALL NOW: 0937 117 211
🌐 VISIT: nongnghiepduyphat.vn
🛒 BUY NOW: shopee.vn/duyphat_ast
ORDER TODAY TO RECEIVE THE FRESHEST, MOST DELICIOUS SOFT-SHELL CRAB!