Zhejiang Pickled Crab (Zui Xie / 醉蟹 — Drunken Crab)
Zhejiang Province — Jiangnan autumn delicacy
Raw small freshwater crabs marinated raw in Shaoxing rice wine, soy sauce, sugar, and aromatics for 3–7 days until the crab flesh is cured and slightly firm, the roe intensely flavoured. A signature Jiangnan delicacy considered extremely precious, often served only in the crab season (October–December). The alcohol from Shaoxing wine does the preserving work.