Why is knowing the cluster size grading important when making purchasing decisions for crab legs?
Answer
It helps estimate meat yield, potentially showing a 1.5-pound jumbo set yields more meat than a 2-pound small set
Understanding cluster size grading is essential for portion control and maximizing value because shell size does not perfectly correlate with edible meat content. A consumer must estimate the meat yield, as visually inspecting or reading product descriptions related to cluster size grading can reveal counterintuitive results. For instance, a smaller package of jumbo clusters might deliver a greater amount of actual meat than a larger package composed of smaller clusters, because the latter may contain relatively more shell and connective tissue, leading to better value from the larger grade despite its higher initial price.

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