Fresh In-House Soft Shell Crab
Every spring, when the water temperature rises, our local blue crab goes through a molting process and sheds its entire hard shell, leaving behind a soft body. The season lasts between four and five weeks depending on the weather and water temperature. The blue crab’s scientific name is Callinectes sapidus, which translates to “savory beautiful swimmer.” Soft shell crabs, also known as peelers, are popular because without the hard shell, you can enjoy the entire tender crab not just the claws. They are prized for their sweet, delicate flavor and tender meat. As the only restaurant on Hilton Head Island with an in-house shedding operation, we are able to have a softness and freshness to our soft shell crab dishes that are unrivaled.
We are in control of every step of the process. Melanie Padgett, (who basically grew up on the docks at Hudson’s. Her father Racine Padgett was one of our commercial shrimpers in the 70’s and 80’s) and her husband Jim, start by setting crab pots and using a male crab in the bait box as opposed to menhaden. The male crab puts off a musk attracting female crabs that are looking to breed. The females are voracious about breeding because they can actually preserve the sperm of the male crabs for multiple years. Melanie and Jim check the pots every other day and bring “hot” crabs to the restaurant. These crabs have tell-tale markings that tell us that they are close to molting, or shedding their shell. They bring these crabs to the restaurant and we begin the process of watching the crabs 24 hours a day until they shed their shells. This is made possible by the construction of a seawater system in which the crabs will be held until they molt. We also set crab pots with traditional bait to catch the male crabs that are molting. Guests at the restaurant can watch this process in the packing house and learn more about it. Read More about Hudson’s Soft-Shell Crab Process.
At Hudson’s, we take pride in being the only restaurant on Hilton Head Island with an in-house shedding operation. This unique feature enables us to serve soft-shell crabs with a level of softness and freshness that is unmatched. It also provides our guests with the opportunity to watch and learn more about the fascinating process of crab shedding. Our state-of-the-art system allows us to keep live crabs in our tanks, where a special pump system draws in saltwater from the creek. We monitor the crabs 24 hours a day until they emerge from their shells. Once they have molted, we separate them and prepare them for our guests, ensuring that they receive the freshest soft-shell crabs available on Hilton Head Island.
In addition to the culinary appeal of our soft-shell crabs, the shedding operation itself is a point of interest for many of our guests. We invite diners to visit our restaurant and see firsthand how we care for and monitor the crabs during the molting process. This unique opportunity to learn about the lifecycle of crabs and the meticulous care involved in their preparation adds an educational and engaging element to the dining experience at Hudson’s.
Our commitment to providing the freshest soft-shell crabs extends beyond just the shedding operation. We also prioritize sustainable practices to ensure the health and vitality of our local waters. By supporting sustainable fishing and crabbing practices, we help preserve the delicate balance of the Lowcountry ecosystem, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the bounty of our waters.
The arrival of spring and the start of soft-shell crab season are highly anticipated events at Hudson’s. Our dedication to quality, freshness, and sustainability makes us the premier destination for soft-shell crabs on Hilton Head Island. We invite you to stop by from late March to early June to try some of these amazing seasonal delicacies and to witness our in-house shedding operation in action. Whether you’re a longtime fan of soft-shell crabs or trying them for the first time, we guarantee an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the best of Lowcountry seafood.
So come on down to Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, where the freshest soft-shell crabs are waiting for you. Enjoy the taste of spring and experience the unique flavors and textures that only freshly shed crabs can provide. We look forward to serving you and sharing the incredible journey of soft-shell crabs from our tanks to your plate.
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