According to a survey, Ngoc Hien district has approximately 20,000 hectares dedicated to crab and shrimp farming, with most people choosing crabs as a high-value economic activity. Currently, crabs are raised using an improved extensive farming method, with two stages of cultivation under mangrove forests providing abundant silt, which helps the crabs grow well and achieve high quality. Because the crabs are raised in a natural environment under the mangrove forest canopy, their meat is delicious, their roe is rich, and they command a higher price compared to crabs from other regions. Commercial crabs are harvested after about 4 months of farming, reaching an average weight of 4-5 crabs per kilogram.

To harvest crabs, farmers use various methods, from draining the ponds, setting traps, to fishing with hooks… but the most common method in Ngoc Hien district today is setting traps. On the 15th and 30th of each lunar month, people put bait in the traps, lower them into the ponds, wait for a period of time, then pull the traps to catch the crabs. The harvested crabs must have sufficient roe and firm meat to meet the standards and quality requirements for customers.

Setting crab traps is a fun experience for tourists.

Mr. Le Tan Hiep, from Rach Goc B hamlet, Rach Goc town, who has been involved in crab farming in this mangrove area for over 40 years, said that there are many types of crabs: mud crabs, square-shelled crabs, and red-roe crabs. The best type of crab is the soft-shell crab or two-shelled crab. Ngoc Hien has high salinity, is close to the sea, and has a lot of silt which serves as food for shrimp and crabs, so the crab meat is usually firm, sweet, and the roe is rich.

Mr. Hiep added: "The experience of catching crabs with traps is quite interesting. The traps are usually set most often at night, because crabs are more active during this time than during the day."

Besides harvesting crabs by setting traps, tourist spots and rest stops in the district now recreate the traditional crab-catching methods of the local people, as a unique cultural feature for tourists to explore. Catching crabs with your own hands is a memorable experience for tourists visiting Ngoc Hien.

Mr. Le Minh Ty, owner of Tu Ty Tourist Stop in Rach Goc town, shared: "To serve tourists, our family has prepared fishing rods and a designated area for visitors to catch crabs."

Along with experiential activities, tourists can also enjoy dishes made from crab. Crab is chosen as the main dish on the menu at tourist destinations, rest stops, and restaurants to serve visitors from near and far. Crab can be prepared in many different ways, from simple to elaborate recipes, but to preserve its full flavor, most tourists choose boiled crab. Although simple, boiled crab is considered one of the best crab dishes because it retains the natural sweetness and flavor of the crab meat. Enjoying boiled crab with chili salt or lemon pepper salt, you can feel the natural sweetness of the crab meat, the richness of the roe, blended with sour, salty, and spicy flavors to create a unique taste that you'll remember forever.

Ms. Dang Nhan Tu, a tourist from Hanoi , enjoying boiled crab with roe at Tu Ty restaurant, said: “I have been to Ngoc Hien district several times, and every time I come here I choose boiled crab with roe. The boiled crab with roe here is delicious; the roe is rich and sweet, and the meat is fragrant and tasty. The crabs from Ngoc Hien are the best in Vietnam.”

Boiled crab is a delicious dish that many tourists choose because it retains its natural flavor.

Also a tourist from Hanoi, Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhu Huyen said: “This is my first time setting foot in the southernmost part of Vietnam. The area has many specialties such as mud crabs, shrimp, mudskippers, and snails… but I was most impressed by the boiled crab. I’ve tasted crab in many different regions of Vietnam, but the best is the crab from Ngoc Hien. Perhaps it’s due to the natural conditions and the rich alluvial soil along the coast that makes the crab here so delicious, sweet, and fatty.”

In response to the first Ca Mau Crab Festival in 2022 in Ca Mau province, Ngoc Hien district is promoting attractive and novel experiential tourism activities such as crab fishing, crab trapping, and self-preparation of crab dishes, allowing tourists to discover the unique features of the southernmost region of Vietnam. In particular, activities to introduce and promote Ngoc Hien crabs to tourists are being intensified, helping everyone understand more about Ngoc Hien crabs.

In addition, Ngoc Hien district also displays local OCOP products for tourists to visit and buy as gifts for relatives and friends. The Ca Mau Crab Festival will bring the image of the crab closer to tourists and gradually build a brand, helping Ngoc Hien district's crabs reach a wider market.

Mr. Tran Hoang Lac, Chairman of the People's Committee of Ngoc Hien District, said: “In preparation for the first Ca Mau Crab Festival in 2022, Ngoc Hien District directed its units and specialized departments to strengthen propaganda and promotion of the image and homeland of the southernmost region of the country, as well as its specialties and delicious dishes, especially those made from crab. Tourist destinations must build brands and offer experiential activities linked to the natural conditions of Ngoc Hien. Prices must be clearly displayed according to regulations, creating absolute trust for domestic and international tourists. With the Ca Mau crab brand already established in the market and becoming increasingly well-known, ensuring the quality of commercial crabs from harvesting to consumption will contribute to developing the brand and reputation of Ca Mau crab in the export market; Ngoc Hien crab will contribute to that success.”

Hong My - Chi Hieu

Source: https://baocamau.vn/mon-cua-niu-chan-du-khach-a26384.html