Chinese mitten crabs, also known as Shanghai hairy crabs because of their furry claws, have been absent from the Taiwanese market for nearly a month. A new round of inspections gives seafood lovers hope they can feast on them before the end of the season.

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Last month Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration announced that a nearly 4,000-kg batch of Chinese mitten crabs were returned or destroyed at the border. Nearly a month later, the crabs have passed inspection and are returning to the Taiwanese market.

One resident said he likes eating male Chinese mitten crabs because the flavor sticks around longer. Even after you’ve finished eating them, the taste sticks around all day, he explained.

One business owner notes that while the typical supply runs from September to November, this year it may continue until December due to the month-long shortage.

Although some vendors say the crab supply could last into December, the New Taipei Fisheries Agency is telling consumers to seize the opportunity to try them before the end of the Wanli crab season, which is fast approaching.

“Crab” them while you can, or you may have to wait until next year.