I boil 'em whole but I lay them 'on their back' as soon as I dump the basket. The juices flow into the shell which acts as a reservoir. when I peel the shell off I back the back down so I preserve the juice....then drink it. If you never have done this you are missing one of the best parts of a crab boil. I have collected about a quart of juice and used it as a stock for a seafood bisque....the best stock I have ever tasted. Pulling the shell off before boiling is sacrilegous to me
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