how to cure what you caught

for dredge-caught sessile only. pelagic follow different tables.

first salt: apply immediately after shelling. pack tight. no gaps. wait one full dimming. do not open. second salt: scrape off the first layer — it will be dark, this is normal — and repack with fresh. wait two dimmings. check firmness. if it gives under the claw, add a third salt and wait one more dimming. if firm, it’s done. wrap in membrane and store cold-side.

do not cure near anything fermenting. i learned this the hard way. the whole batch will turn and you’ll taste nothing but sour for a week.

if the flesh goes translucent at any stage, throw it back. not worth the risk. keeps for forty dimmings if stored properly. after that, eat it or let it go.