In One Ear: Getting crabby

Crab season is finally open, after an almost two-month delay, and KGW’s Grant McOmie came to Astoria with his program, “Grant’s Getaways.” This episode, about Oregon Coast crabbing, provides a look at the local seafood industry.

McOmie talked to Steve Fick, owner of Fishhawk Fisheries, who said crab is Oregon’s “most valuable seafood,” worth about $100 million.

“It’s your first opportunity for fresh crab, so grab that,” Fick told McOmie. “Eighty percent of the crab will be harvested in the first four to five weeks, generally depending on weather … Its dollars that stay in the community … and it’s all part of a business plan both for a plant or for a fisherman. It is also critical to the health of the seafood, and the local economy, and the Astoria port industries.”

Fick also shared three recipes: “Crab in Black Bean Sauce,” “Crab with Sole” and “Pasta with Crab.” One of the diners who came in to sample the goods nailed it when asked for his favorite: “My favorite bite was the last one I had!” Fick pointed out that “these are all relatively easy recipes to prepare, and just a few to do. I think I could even do it.”

“This is a year-round product that you can easily find in the grocery or your fish counter,” Fick noted. “You own this delicious seafood, so take advantage of it.” (Photo: KGW/Grant’s Getaways)