Canned crab meat is a convenient and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pasta to crab cakes. But with so many different brands and varieties of canned crab meat on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. America’s Test Kitchen has done the hard work for you and tested dozens of brands of canned crab meat to find the very best.
The best canned crab meat, according to America’s Test Kitchen, is:
- Bumble Bee Solid White Crab Meat
- Chicken of the Sea Premium White Crab Meat
- Crown Prince Natural Lump Crab Meat
These brands of canned crab meat were praised for their fresh, sweet flavor, and firm texture. They are also free of any added fillers or preservatives.
If you are looking for the best canned crab meat, be sure to look for one of the brands listed above. You can find these brands at most major grocery stores.
1. Quality
The quality of canned crab meat is determined by the type of crab used, the freshness of the crab, and the canning process. The best canned crab meat is made from fresh, wild-caught crab that has been processed and canned without any added fillers or preservatives.
Wild-caught crab is generally considered to be of higher quality than farm-raised crab. This is because wild-caught crab has a more natural diet and is not exposed to the same chemicals and antibiotics that are used in fish farms. Fresh crab is also important, as crab that has been frozen or stored for a long period of time will lose its flavor and texture.
The canning process also plays a role in the quality of canned crab meat. Crab that is canned in brine or water will have a more natural flavor than crab that is canned in oil. It is also important to choose canned crab meat that is packed in a BPA-free can. BPA is a chemical that has been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer.
Canned crab meat that is high-quality will have a firm texture and a sweet, delicate flavor. It should also be free of any shells or other debris. If you are looking for the best canned crab meat, be sure to look for a brand that uses fresh, wild-caught crab and a BPA-free canning process.
2. Flavor
Flavor is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing canned crab meat. The best canned crab meat has a sweet, delicate flavor that is not too fishy or salty. This type of crab meat is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pasta to crab cakes.
There are a few things that can affect the flavor of canned crab meat. The type of crab used is one important factor. Blue crab and Dungeness crab are two types of crab that are known for their sweet, delicate flavor. The freshness of the crab is also important. Fresh crab will have a more flavorful canned crab meat. The canning process can also affect the flavor of crab meat. Crab meat that is canned in brine or water will have a more natural flavor than crab meat that is canned in oil.
When choosing canned crab meat, it is important to read the label carefully. The label should list the type of crab used, the freshness of the crab, and the canning process. You should also look for a brand that is known for producing high-quality canned crab meat. America’s Test Kitchen has tested dozens of brands of canned crab meat and found that the following three brands are the best:
- Bumble Bee Solid White Crab Meat
- Chicken of the Sea Premium White Crab Meat
- Crown Prince Natural Lump Crab Meat
These brands of canned crab meat are all high-quality and have a sweet, delicate flavor. They are a great choice for any dish that calls for crab meat.
In conclusion, the flavor of canned crab meat is an important factor to consider when choosing a brand. The best canned crab meat has a sweet, delicate flavor that is not too fishy or salty. You can find high-quality canned crab meat by reading the label carefully and choosing a brand that is known for producing high-quality products.
3. Versatility
One of the best things about canned crab meat is its versatility. It can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from salads to pasta to crab cakes. This makes it a convenient and delicious way to add seafood to your meals.
For example, canned crab meat can be added to a green salad for a quick and easy lunch. It can also be used to make a crab salad sandwich or wrap. For a more substantial meal, canned crab meat can be added to pasta dishes, such as spaghetti with crab sauce or crab Alfredo. It can also be used to make crab cakes, which can be served with a variety of dipping sauces.
The versatility of canned crab meat makes it a valuable ingredient to have on hand. It is a convenient and delicious way to add seafood to your meals, and it can be used in a variety of dishes.
When choosing canned crab meat, it is important to look for a brand that is known for producing high-quality products. America’s Test Kitchen has tested dozens of brands of canned crab meat and found that the following three brands are the best:
- Bumble Bee Solid White Crab Meat
- Chicken of the Sea Premium White Crab Meat
- Crown Prince Natural Lump Crab Meat
These brands of canned crab meat are all high-quality and have a sweet, delicate flavor. They are a great choice for any dish that calls for crab meat.
In conclusion, the versatility of canned crab meat is one of its best qualities. It can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from salads to pasta to crab cakes. This makes it a convenient and delicious way to add seafood to your meals.
FAQs about Best Canned Crab Meat According to America’s Test Kitchen
In this section, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about canned crab meat, based on the findings of America’s Test Kitchen.
Question 1: What is the best brand of canned crab meat?
Answer: According to America’s Test Kitchen, the best brands of canned crab meat are Bumble Bee Solid White Crab Meat, Chicken of the Sea Premium White Crab Meat, and Crown Prince Natural Lump Crab Meat.
Question 2: What is the difference between white crab meat and dark crab meat?
Answer: White crab meat is taken from the body of the crab, while dark crab meat is taken from the claws. White crab meat is more delicate in flavor and texture than dark crab meat.
Question 3: How do I choose the best canned crab meat?
Answer: When choosing canned crab meat, look for a brand that is known for producing high-quality products. You should also read the label carefully to make sure that the crab meat is packed in brine or water, and not in oil.
Question 4: How can I use canned crab meat?
Answer: Canned crab meat is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pasta to crab cakes.
Question 5: How do I store canned crab meat?
Answer: Canned crab meat should be stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, the crab meat can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Question 6: Is canned crab meat healthy?
Answer: Yes, canned crab meat is a healthy food choice. It is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins.
We hope this FAQ section has been helpful. If you have any other questions about canned crab meat, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Transition to the next article section:
Now that we have covered the basics of canned crab meat, let’s take a look at some of the best recipes that you can make with it.
Tips from America’s Test Kitchen for Using Canned Crab Meat
Canned crab meat is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few tips from America’s Test Kitchen for using canned crab meat:
Tip 1: Choose the right type of crab meat. There are two main types of canned crab meat: white crab meat and dark crab meat. White crab meat is taken from the body of the crab, while dark crab meat is taken from the claws. White crab meat is more delicate in flavor and texture than dark crab meat. Choose the type of crab meat that is best suited for your dish.
Tip 2: Drain the crab meat well. Before using canned crab meat, be sure to drain it well. This will help to remove any excess water or brine. Draining the crab meat will also help to prevent your dish from becoming watery.
Tip 3: Flake the crab meat. Once the crab meat is drained, you can flake it with a fork. Flaking the crab meat will help to break it up and make it easier to use in your dish.
Tip 4: Add flavor to the crab meat. If you want to add more flavor to the crab meat, you can season it with a variety of spices and herbs. Some good options include Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and dill. You can also add other ingredients to the crab meat, such as cooked vegetables or chopped nuts.
Tip 5: Use canned crab meat in a variety of dishes. Canned crab meat is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Some popular options include crab cakes, crab salad, and crab bisque. You can also add canned crab meat to pasta dishes, soups, and stews.
Summary: By following these tips, you can use canned crab meat to create delicious and flavorful dishes. Canned crab meat is a convenient and affordable way to add seafood to your meals.
Transition to the conclusion:
Now that you know how to use canned crab meat, you can start experimenting with different recipes. With its versatility and delicious flavor, canned crab meat is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored the world of canned crab meat, with a focus on the findings of America’s Test Kitchen. We have discussed the different types of canned crab meat, the factors to consider when choosing a brand, and the many ways to use canned crab meat in the kitchen.
We have also provided some helpful tips from America’s Test Kitchen for using canned crab meat. By following these tips, you can create delicious and flavorful dishes that your family and friends will love.
Canned crab meat is a versatile and affordable way to add seafood to your meals. With its sweet, delicate flavor and firm texture, canned crab meat is a great choice for a variety of dishes, from salads to pasta to crab cakes.
So next time you are looking for a convenient and delicious way to add seafood to your meal, reach for a can of crab meat. With so many great brands and varieties to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect crab meat for your dish.
