The invention relates to a method of processing crustaceans, live and cooked to cause detachment of shells from crustacean meat. According to the method, live crustaceans are exposed to hydrostatic pressure of relatively high value, for example between 20,000 p.s.i. to 60,000 p.s.i. for 2-5 minutes. The process is conducted at minimal elevated temperatures, in the range of above ambient temperature of 40 degrees to about 110 degrees Fahrenheit, leaving the raw crustacean meat substantially unaffected, in its desired raw state, while the connective tissue deteriorates and the shell detaches from the meat. As a result separating the edible meat from the shell becomes much easier and less time-consuming. Cooked crustacean meat can also be processed under hydrostatic high pressure in the order of 30,000 p.s.i. to 60,000 p.s.i. to eliminate or substantially reduce bacteria in the meat, thereby extending shelf life of the product.