Crab legs are one of the most delicious and coveted seafood treats around. Their sweet, tender meat is treasured by seafood aficionados everywhere. But when is the prime time to indulge in fresh crab legs? The answer depends on the variety and location of the crab.
Here is a comprehensive guide to crab leg seasons so you can enjoy these succulent crustacean appendages at their absolute peak
King Crab Season in the Frigid Alaskan Waters
The king crab is one of the most prized types of crab, thanks to their meaty, richly-flavored legs that can weigh over a pound each King crab inhabits the chilly waters of Alaska and Russia.
The king crab season in Alaska runs from October to January, with the peak in November when the crabs are at their largest size after spawning over the summer. The short king crab season coincides with the Alaskan winter when the crabs are most active.
King crab legs are cooked right on the fishing boats, then frozen and shipped worldwide. You can find king crab any time of year, but for the freshest, look for king crab legs in fall and early winter.
Snow Crab Season in the North Pacific and North Atlantic
Like king crab, snow crab lives in the cold Pacific and Atlantic waters near Alaska, Canada, and Norway. It gets its name from the snowy-white, delicate meat inside its legs.
The snow crab season runs from fall through early summer depending on location – Alaska and Canada open snow crab seasons in October/November through May/June. Fresh snow crab legs are best in late fall and winter.
Snow crab legs are cooked right after being caught and are usually pre-cooked and frozen. You can find snow crab year-round but it’s sweetest during peak season.
Dungeness Crab Season on the Pacific West Coast
Dungeness crab is found all along the Pacific coastline from Alaska to California. Its sweet, tender meat is especially popular in the Pacific Northwest.
The peak Dungeness crab season is winter and early spring. The commercial fishery in California, Oregon, and Washington typically runs from December to August, with November being the best month for large Dungeness crabs before populations decline. The summer closure allows the crabs to reproduce and rebuild their numbers.
For the freshest Dungeness crab, look for it in winter and spring when abundant along the West coast.
Blue Crab Season on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts
Blue crabs are found all along the Atlantic from New York to Florida and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Unlike king, snow and Dungeness, blue crabs are not pre-cooked on the boats. They are sold live and you cook them yourself.
The blue crab harvest season varies by state but generally runs from early spring through late fall. The peak season for large, meaty blue crabs is late summer and early fall, with September and October being top months.
Blue crab season opens in spring once waters warm. For peak flavor and abundance, eat blue crab in the warmer months rather than winter.
Stone Crab Season in Florida
Florida is known for its meaty stone crab claws. Only the claws are eaten from stone crabs – they’re snapped off and the crab regrows new ones!
The stone crab season in Florida runs from October 15 to May 15. The most abundant, fresh claws come from October to December. Only purchase from licensed fishermen as the catch is strictly regulated. Enjoy the claws boiled, grilled, or chilled with mustard sauce.
Soft Shell Crab Season on the East and Gulf Coasts
The soft shell crab is simply a blue crab that has recently molted its outer shell before the new one hardens. It’s a prized delicacy along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
The short soft shell crab season is from May to September, with the peak in late spring and early summer. Enjoy fried soft shell crab sandwiches during the warmer months for a real treat!
Tips for Buying Crab Legs In-Season
Follow these tips to get crab legs at their seasonal peak:
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Buy king, snow and Dungeness crab legs fresh or frozen during peak season for optimal quality, flavor and price.
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Purchase live blue crabs and stone crab claws in season and cook them yourself for unbeatable freshness.
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Ask trusted fishmongers when the current season’s crab legs arrived and their origin.
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Splurge on premium king and snow crab legs in fall/winter when they’re sweetest.
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Check regulations before harvesting crabs yourself. Most states require licenses and have size and catch limits.
By following the crab leg seasons, you can indulge in crab when it’s at its freshest and most abundant. Use this guide to know the prime time for enjoying luscious crab legs!
What Makes Dungeness Crab So Special?
Dungeness crabs, native to the Pacific Coast, are renowned for their:
- Sweet, Delicate Flavor: The meat is naturally sweet with a slightly briny undertone, perfect for steaming, boiling, or using in recipes like chowder or pasta.
- Abundant Meat: With generous amounts of meat in the legs and claws, Dungeness crabs are among the most satisfying seafood options.
- Health Benefits: High in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and low in fat, they’re a nutritious addition to any meal.
For the freshest options, explore Dungeness crab clusters and whole Dungeness crabs from Global Seafoods.
Tips for Buying Fresh Dungeness Crab
If catching your own crabs isn’t an option, you can still enjoy fresh Dungeness crab legs by purchasing them from trusted seafood markets or online retailers.
- Freshness: If buying live crabs, look for movement in their legs and claws. Cooked crab legs should have a sweet, clean aroma and a slightly briny scent.
- Weight: Crabs that feel heavy for their size are typically packed with meat.
- Appearance: Pre-cooked crab legs should have a vibrant orange-red color and glossy sheen.
- Refrigerate fresh crab legs immediately and consume them within 1-2 days.
- Keep crab meat moist by covering it with a damp paper towel.
- For longer storage, freeze cooked crab legs or merus crab meat in airtight containers.
For premium-quality products, check out Dungeness crab meat or live Dungeness crabs at Global Seafoods.
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FAQ
What are the best months to eat crab legs?
The peak season is typically from December through March, when crabs are at their freshest and most abundant. 2. How should I store cooked crab legs? Keep cooked crab legs in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.
What time of year are crab legs the cheapest?
Crab legs are generally cheapest during their respective harvesting seasons due to increased supply. Alaskan king crab is typically cheapest from October to January, while snow crab is often more affordable during its peak season, which varies but is generally in the fall.
Are snow crab legs in season?
Snow crab legs are generally in season from January to April in the Eastern Bering Sea, but they are available year-round due to being frozen after harvest.
What are the best months for crab?
The primary season for all crab species is October to January when they are often at their largest and populations are highest after spawning. Some regions even stretch crabbing season into July. The Absolute.
Why is it important to season crab legs?
Seasoning crab legs is important because it can help make the crab meat’s inherent qualities even more flavorful. Old Bay seasoning, lemon, garlic, and butter are some seasonings that can bring out all the meat’s sweetness and give the taste profile depth and complexity. The flavor of crab legs can be significantly improved by seasoning.
When does the Dungeness crab legs season start?
In the United States, the Dungeness crab legs season generally starts in December and runs through the end of June. It’s important to check with local authorities for the exact dates and regulations before heading out to catch your own crabs. Dungeness crab legs are most commonly found along the Pacific coast, from Alaska down to California.
When does crab season start & end?
Some of the largest crab-producing states, like Alaska and Maine, start crab season in the fall, around October, and end it as temperatures start climbing in early spring. Some Southern states, such as Florida and South Carolina, have a year-round crab season.