Tanner Crab vs Snow Crab
First, meet the Snow Crab. It’s the superstar you’ve probably seen on menus, with those long, spindly legs that look like something from a sci-fi movie. Snow crab lives up to its name—it’s found in cold, deep waters, and it’s the classic choice for cracking and dipping in butter. Think of Snow Crab as the reliable friend who always shows up with a six-pack and a smile.
Now, say hello to the Tanner Crab. Tanner is Snow’s less famous, slightly smaller sibling. It comes from the same chilly neighborhood—usually the Bering Sea—but it’s often sold as “Snow Crab” anyway, which makes things confusing. Imagine if your neighbor Dave borrowed your hoodie and everyone started calling him by your name. That’s Tanner Crab’s life.
Size and Legs: The Leg Game
When you look at their legs, size matters. Snow crab has those long, elegant legs that make you feel like royalty when you crack them open. Tanner crab, on the other hand, has shorter, chunkier legs. Think of Snow as the ballet dancer and Tanner as the strong rugby player. Both are delicious, but the Tanner requires a bit more of a wrestle to get the meat out.
Here’s a little story: Last summer, I bought what I thought were “Snow Crab” legs at a farmers’ market. I got home, steamed them up, and found the meat was harder to pull out. A quick Google check later, and I realized I had Tanner. I didn’t feel tricked—just educated. Now I know to check the label if I want that long, skinny leg that peels open like a jacket.