580381 Mon Dec 15 17:09:45 -0800 2008 1 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 4249201 Has anyone else encountered weird crab, Meaning the "Crab butter" usually a yellowish color in MOST crabs. However some which I've thrown out are a Funky Green color? Any Ideas of what causes this and is It safe to eat? Are they eating oil or some waste? Mon Dec 15 16:50:23 -0800 2008 61476 Skunk2Racer 1 4253442 The color of this organ (the hepatopancreas) varies. In Maryland, the blue crab's is commonly called "the mustard". It is sometimes (though rarely) green. It is possible that the organ in your crab picked up contaminants, but those listed below are colorless. The mustard can be green, without the entire crab being bad. http://www.bluecrab.info/cooking_faq.htm "Contrary to popular belief, the "mustard" (or the "green gland" or "tomalley") is not fat, it's actually the crab's hepatopancreas, a main component of the crab's digestive system. The hepatopancreas is a gland made up of very small branched tubes (ramified tubules) located on both sides of the mid-gut in the main body cavity directly under the top shell and functions as both liver and pancreas. It is involved in producing digestive enzymes and is responsible for filtering impurities from the crab's blood. The "mustard" has a strong taste and is eaten by many people who consider it a delicacy. Caution: Research shows that chemical contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxin, mercury, and poison-inhalation hazards (PIHs) accumulate in the crab's fatty tissues and concentrate in the hepatopancreas. The contaminants, which are colorless, odorless and tasteless, and can increase one's chance of developing cancer, neurological impairments and miscarriage. Women of child-bearing age and children under the age of 5 are at particular risk." Wed Dec 17 07:26:57 -0800 2008 4249201 20400 kheper