Where Can You Buy Real Crab Meat? Your Guide to Finding Authentic Crab

Crab meat is one of the most delicious and coveted seafood ingredients. Its sweet, briny flavor and tender texture make it a luxurious addition to appetizers, entrees, and more However, not all crab meat is created equal. Low quality crab meat can be bland, stringy, and fail to deliver the glorious experience you expect So where can you buy real, authentic crab meat you’ll be proud to serve? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

What Makes Crab Meat “Real”?

Authentic crab meat comes from real crabs, rather than being imitation crab made of pollock or other fish. Blue crab and king crab are among the most popular real crab species.

Real crab must also be fresh and properly handled to deliver premium quality. Crab meat is extremely perishable and can quickly deteriorate if not processed correctly after harvesting Proper processing includes immediate chilling, picking, and pasteurization or freezing to lock in freshness

Additionally, real crab meat should come from sources dedicated to sustainability. Overfishing has depleted crab populations in some areas, so choosing crab from well-managed fisheries helps preserve precious ocean resources.

Where to Buy Fresh Live Crabs to Pick Yourself

Picking your own crabs ensures you’re getting real, fresh crab meat. Check local fish markets or seafood stores to find live crabs sourced from nearby waters. Blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay, Dungeness crabs from the Pacific Northwest, and stone crabs from Florida are examples of live local crabs.

Make sure the crabs are lively and robust when purchasing them. Once home, keep them chilled in a refrigerator until ready to cook. Cook the live crabs, then pick the sweet meat from the body and claws while still warm. Use the fresh crab meat right away or freeze it for later.

Picking crabs takes time and effort, but yields incredibly sweet meat and a hands-on experience. This is a great choice if you want total confidence in the origins and freshness of your crab.

Buying Fresh Picked Crab Meat

For convenience, purchase freshly picked crab meat from a trusted local seafood market or reputable online retailer. Choose a source dedicating to quick processing and proper handling.

Refrigerated pasteurized crab meat will have around 7-10 days of shelf life. It should smell clean, not fishy or ammonia-like. The texture should be moist and tender, not dry or stringy.

Freshly picked crab is a superb choice when you want real crab meat without personally doing the work of cooking and picking. Opt for a high-quality supplier focused on freshness.

Canned Crab Meat

Canned crab meat offers convenience along with a longer shelf life up to a year when unopened. It’s been pre-cooked and pasteurized, locking in the flavor and texture.

Check the ingredients list when buying canned crab meat. It should contain only real crab meat and possibly salt or water. Avoid crab meat containing additives, fillers, and preservatives, which indicate lower quality.

Jumbo lump and backfin or special grade meat are the premium options. White meat from the body and claws will provide the signature sweet flavor.

Frozen Crab Meat

Flash freezing shortly after harvesting preserves fresh crab meat almost indefinitely in the freezer. This makes frozen crab an excellent choice when buying in bulk or wanting to stock up.

As with canned crab, an ingredient list containing only crab meat is best when purchasing frozen options.high-quality frozen crab should look moist and white after thawing, not dry or yellowed.

Where to Buy Real Crab Meat Online

Online shopping opens up opportunities to buy exceptional local or regional crab meat beyond what’s available in your area’s stores. Look for online seafood companies dedicated to sourcing and delivering premium quality crab meat:

• Maryland Blue Crab: Prized for its sweet flavor and tender meat, Maryland blue crab from the Chesapeake Bay is a top choice. Online Maryland crab purveyors like The Crab Place pick and ship jumbo lump, lump, and backfin meat overnight.

• Pacific Northwest Crab: Dungeness, king, and snow crab thrive in the cold Pacific waters. Companies like Seattle Fish Co package and ship fresh live, cooked, and crab meat nationwide.

• Alaskan King Crab: The large legs of Alaskan king crab yield glorious chunks of sweet meat. Buy king crab legs and claws online from wild-caught sustainable sources.

• Florida Stone Crab: Fishermen harvest and remove one claw from stone crabs, which regrow another. The claws are boiled, picked, and shipped overnight.

Wherever it’s sourced, look for indicators of quality such as same-day processing, proper handling methods, and sustainable fishery certifications when buying crab meat online.

What to Look for at the Grocery Store

Not all supermarket crab comes from the most reputable sources, but you can still find real, quality crab meat in the seafood department:

• Ingredients: Crab meat should contain no additives or preservatives, just pure crab.

• Color: Opt for white meat instead of yellowed meat, which indicates oxidation.

• Texture: Meat should be moist and tender, not dry or stringy.

• Smell: Fresh or thawed crab meat should have a clean, briny scent, never ammonia-like or fishy.

• Source: Look for indications of responsible sourcing such as “product of the USA.”

• Price: Higher prices often reflect better quality when it comes to seafood. Splurge for the premium crab.

With a discerning eye, it’s possible to find real, delicious crab meat at standard supermarkets. Stick to reputable national chains with high seafood standards.

Signs of Bad Crab Meat to Avoid

While most sources provide high-quality crab, there are a few warning signs to avoid questionable products:

• Unnatural yellow or orange color
• Dry, stringy, or mushy texture
• Off or ammonia odors
• Generic labeling with no source information
• Contains additives, fillers, or preservatives
• Lower than average pricing

If you notice any of these red flags, put the package of crab meat back on the shelf. Only buy products meeting the freshness standards for real, premium crab meat.

Is Imitation Crab Meat Real?

Imitation crab meat, often labeled as crab sticks, krab, or seafood salad, contains little to no real crab. Instead, it’s made from fish like pollock blended with binders and flavorings.

While it resembles crab meat in taste and texture, imitation crab won’t provide the same delicious bite and juicy flavor as the real thing. Stick to authentic crab for an unmatched culinary experience.

Cooking with Real Crab Meat

Once you’ve sourced exceptional crab meat, it’s time to start cooking. Real crab meat shines in everything from crab cakes to seafood pasta to crab dip. Gentle heating preserves the tender texture and signature flavor.

Here are some of the best ways to enjoy real crab meat:

• Maryland crab cakes
• Lump crab salad
• Crab bisque
• Stuffed mushrooms with crab
• Crab stuffed fish
• Crab mac and cheese
• Crab quesadillas
• Crab louie salad
• Seafood gumbo with crab

With so many possibilities, you’re sure to find new favorite recipes when cooking with real crab meat!

The Bottom Line

Authentic, high-quality crab meat makes a heavenly addition to many dishes. Seek out crabs from sustainable sources and processors dedicated to freshness for the best product. While picking your own guarantees freshness, you can also buy incredible pre-picked, canned, or frozen crab meat by looking for signs of quality. Avoid imitation crab and any meat with off colors, textures, or smells. Choosing real, well-handled crab meat lets you enjoy one of the ocean’s greatest gifts.