Black Light

[Qcrab]

This may be standard information that everyone already knows. Maybe a few do not. Heres the tip:

When I pick meat out for crabcakes and other recipes that require crabmeat I do my final pick for shells under a black light. The shells light up like a white T-shirt under the light and make it easier to detect the missed shells.

It must be a black light stronger than the 15 watt small ones to be effective. And all other "white" light must be turned off. It really speeds up the process.

Whoever thought that we would be under the psychadelic light drinking beer and picking crabs! If you have an old Jimmi Hendrix poster put it up to enhance the experience! "Mustard haze all through my crab..."

[bob]

 Watch your eyes!!!!!!

UV radiation can cause severe and permanent damage to your retina and has also been linked to cataracts.  Eye ware with a good UV coating might be suggested.

[Qcrab]

Make sure that any UV sources used for your crab pick fall into UV-A, preferably 345 to 400 nM. Lamps sold for entertainment purposed fall into this safe area. They should be specifically marked "black light".
The place to watch out is with oddball surplus equipment that might have been designed with germicidal or other purposes in mind!

Avoid UV lamps designed for rock-hunting; many minerals fluoresc under short-wave UV, and rock lamps are designed accordingly (some are switchable between long and short wave).

Never use unknown or suspect UV lamps for picking crab or entertainment.

If it says "Black Light" and is in a reputable store like WALMART you will be safe.

[Steve]

Sounds like a good way to catch the shell pieces. Will have to try it one of these days.