Live hairy crab vending machines hit Chinese underground
by Steven Mostyn - Oct 28 2010, 09:48
We'll pass, but thanks.
In the world of technology, there are practical gadgets, there are fun gadgets, and there are gadgets that are just plain crazy. The crab vending machines being trialled in China fall firmly into the latter category. Mmm... tasty?
Specifically, busy Chinese commuters with a hankering for live seafood—that's 'live' seafood, mark you—can now sate their appetites by purchasing 'Dahza' hairy crab from a number of vending machines popping up throughout underground train stations in the city of Nanjing, capital of the southeastern province of Jiangsu.
Packaged and presented in individual plastic boxes within a refrigerated display unit, which chills the crabs but doesn't quite kill them, the regional delicacy comes in three sizes with prices ranging from around 15 Yuan ($2.25 USD) to 50 Yuan ($7.50 USD).
Because the crabs are supposed to be sold alive, vending machine operator Twin Lake Crab has said it will provide three free crabs to any customers who happen to purchase a dead product, according to a report in local newspaper Guangzhou Daily.
If the trial period goes well, Twin Lake plans to expand its automated crab vending service to other cities, and even other countries.
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