Seafood & Sustainability: Green Crab Experience at Maine Tasting Center
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness level required, just a willingness to participate actively.
Overview
Discover how sustainable seafood practices come to life with a Green Crab supper at Maine Tasting Center. Join a hands-on class to learn about invasive species and enjoy a delicious local meal crafted from eco-friendly efforts.
Eat the Invasive: A Green Crab Supper
All Ages • 2.5 Hours • $55 • A delicious deep dive into the invasive green crab
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About This Adventure
Join a unique culinary adventure that tackles invasive green crabs! In this hands-on class, you'll learn about their ecological impact while enjoying a delicious Green Crab Paella prepared by expert John Painter. Discover how to process these crustaceans and enjoy a drink as you help combat this environmental threat.
Fight back against invasive species...by eating them!
Duration
3 Hours
Rates
Member: $46.75 Non-Member: $55 Our members save 15% on their class registrations! Learn more about membership benefits and sign up at www.mfbec.org.
2025 Dates
- August 9
About
Curious about green crabs? This invasive crustacean has been making increasingly frequent appearances in the news and public discourse as they move further north; now present in Maine waters, the green crab presents a real threat – they have few predators, aggressively hunt other species, and effectively outcompete local species for food and habitat.
What can you do to help? Well, the first step to get educated! Join John Painter of Maine Green Crabs for a hands-on exploration of all things green crab. Learn about the ecological threat these creatures pose to our state, but also about the proactive efforts underway to mitigate their impact. Plus, discover the culinary potential of green crabs and why they deserve a place on your plate – one way to help is to eat them!
In this class, participants will learn different ways to process green crabs for cooking and learn all about these invaders while John cooks a delicious Green Crab Paella dinner for the group to share.
All ingredients, equipment and recipes will be provided – plus additional resources about green crabs for you to take home and share with friends and family. A drink of your choosing to enjoy with dinner – Maine-made wine, beer, cider, mead or soda – is included with the cost of your ticket.
About Maine Green Crabs
John Painter is the founder of Maine Green Crabs, an organization that provides a means for the customer to take action in addressing global warming and asserting cultural values though utilizing an invasive species as an affordable, nutritious, and culturally significant food source. Originally from Owls Head, John comes from a long line of Maine fishermen and lobstermen. Decades after leaving Maine to pursue other passions, John has returned to our state to rejoin the commercial fisheries community, this time to catch green crabs, develop innovative solutions and educate the public about this destructive, invasive threat to our marine environments. Learn more at mainegreencrabs.com
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable, waterproof clothing
Expect to get hands-on with crabs and ingredients, so dress accordingly.
Arrive early for the class
To make the most of the experience, arrive 10-15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Bring a willingness to learn and taste
Be open to trying new and sustainable dishes that may be different from traditional cuisine.
Prepare for a social experience
Engage with fellow foodies and learn from shared stories about local conservation efforts.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Seabirds
- Harbor seals
History
Maine’s coast has a long history of fishing and maritime communities that have relied on sustainable practices for generations.
Conservation
The program promotes invasive species management, encouraging sustainable harvesting to control green crab populations and protect native ecosystems.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Portland
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof apron
Protects clothing during hands-on food preparation.
Kitchen towels or cloths
Used for cleaning hands and surface areas during cooking.
Camera or smartphone
Capture the experience and share your sustainable culinary adventure.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated during the class and support eco-friendly practices.