No, we’ve never tasted Shanghai Hairy Crab before. But it must be really good (and popular) to merit being sold fresh via vending machine.
News of this latest on-the-go seafood delicacy to hit Chinese cities first exploded via Japanese TV and has since gone viral. The Shanghai Hairy Crab(s) in question are kept at five degrees Celsius to make them hibernate. But with prices between 120 and 600 Yen, the crabs apparently come in sizes too! That’s neat-o in our book.
The Unique Appeal of Shanghai Hairy Crab
Shanghai Hairy Crab, also known as Chinese mitten crab, is a seasonal delicacy that is particularly popular in the autumn months. These crabs are prized for their rich, buttery roe and tender meat. The crabs are typically harvested from the Yangcheng Lake, which is renowned for producing the best quality hairy crabs. The vending machine innovation allows consumers to enjoy this delicacy conveniently, without having to visit a seafood market or restaurant.
The vending machines are designed to keep the crabs at a temperature of five degrees Celsius, which induces a state of hibernation. This method ensures that the crabs remain alive and fresh until they are purchased. The vending machines offer crabs in various sizes, catering to different preferences and budgets. Prices range from 120 to 600 Yen, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers.
Challenges and Innovations in Fresh Crab Vending
Dig this: If the crab comes out dead (that’s really gross), the owner/inventor of the vending machine promises to reimburse you with three fresh crabs. We’re actually afraid having a dead crab come out of the machine is to be expected. How can you possibly keep crabs fresh unless you change them every day? So while the idea is great and offers the customer a new gastronomic experience, we believe maintaining a string of fresh crab vending machines can be a major headache, much less one.
The concept of selling live crabs through vending machines is not without its challenges. Ensuring the crabs remain alive and fresh requires meticulous maintenance and regular monitoring. The vending machines must be restocked frequently, and the temperature must be consistently regulated to prevent the crabs from waking up from hibernation. Additionally, the vending machines need to be placed in high-traffic areas to ensure a quick turnover of stock, reducing the risk of crabs dying in the machine.
However, the promise of receiving three fresh crabs if a dead one is dispensed demonstrates the owner’s confidence in the system and commitment to customer satisfaction. This guarantee also serves as a reassurance to potential buyers, encouraging them to try this unique vending machine experience.
But who knows? Shanghai Hairy Crab might be popular enough to explode across China and Japan. The success of these vending machines could pave the way for similar innovations in the seafood industry, potentially leading to the introduction of other fresh seafood vending machines.
We can’t stop wondering though, what are those Hairy Crabs thinking/dreaming in their near-frozen state. Just as “Do robots dream electric sheep?” do Shanghai Hairy Crab sing ‘Under The Sea’ in Chinese while aslumber?
The introduction of Shanghai Hairy Crab vending machines is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. It reflects the innovative spirit of the food industry in China and Japan, where convenience and quality are highly valued. Whether or not this concept will become a widespread phenomenon remains to be seen, but it certainly adds an interesting twist to the way we think about purchasing and consuming fresh seafood.
Via Dvice
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