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From crab to shrimp to crawfish, seafood is a low-fat, nutrient-rich food that provides many health benefits. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guidelines for 2015-2020 recommends that adults eat at least 8 ounces of seafood a week, as studies have shown it may improve heart health, lower stroke risk, and protect your vision. The only downside? It can be hard to eat without making a mess. Make sure you’re up on your table manners with this handy guide to seafood-eating etiquette.

How to Eat Crab

Crab can be tricky to eat because it’s usually served in its shell. To observe proper table manners, begin by removing the legs and claws from the body with your fingers. Break them open with a nutcracker (this should be placed by your plate) and remove the flesh inside with a seafood fork, which should also be provided. Break off the tails and eat that meat with a small fork. Then, pick at the meat from the under­side of the crab’s body with the fork. Discard all of the shells in the bowls provided on the table.

How to Eat Shrimp 

SeafoodWhen served without tails as a main course at a seafood restaurant, shrimp should be eaten with a knife and fork. Add sauce by spooning a small amount onto your dinner plate or directly over your shrimp, and use your hand to shield other diners from errant squirts while squeezing lemon. Shrimp cocktail and other tailed shrimp served as hors d’oeuvres can be eaten with your fingers—simply grab each piece by the tail, dip into the cocktail sauce, and eat in one bite. If served in the shell, peel it off with a fork or your fingers. 

How to Eat Crawfish

To properly pick apart a crawfish, separate the head from the tail with a twisting motion, then use your thumbs to peel away the shell at the tail’s widest part. Once there is enough meat for you to grab, hold it with your index finger and thumb while pinching the base of the tail to loosen the meat, then gently pull it out from the shell.

 

 

Are you ready to try out your seafood-eating skills on some mouthwatering meals? Head over to Lolo’s Seafood Shack in Harlem, N.Y. Serving up a wide variety of coastal and Caribbean-style dishes, including snow crab steampots, conch fritters, jerk-seasoned ribs, and street corn, this popular seafood restaurant will satisfy all of your cravings. Visit their website to check out their menu and call (646) 649-3356 to make a reservation.

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