Shipments of Chinese autumn delicacy, hairy crabs, begin in Jiangsu

Shipments of Chinese mitten crabs have started in Jiangsu, China. The seasonal delicacy is also known as Shanghai hairy crab.

Local government officials took part in an event on Monday to declare the start of this year's crab season. In China, it is popular to steam the crabs whole and dip the meat in vinegar flavored with ginger.

The crabs are mainly shipped within China, but some are exported to Southeast Asia, Japan and elsewhere. The season will end early next year.