Crab is separated into two categories: the large-body type i.e., Florida Stone crab, Blue crab etc., and the long-legged type i.e., the Snow crab, the Japanese Spider crab, etc.

Crabs have been used as food for many centuries throughout the world, but the important American crab industry in the US. got its start when the first soft shell crabs were shipped from Crisfield, Maryland in 1873. Crabs may be featured on the menu boiled, fried, grilled, baked, steamed, roasted, as cakes, casserole, Newburg, Croustades, Curry, salad, cocktail, mousse, aspic, bisque, chowder, croquettes, pies, etc.