Crab is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can elevate seafood dishes, salads pasta, and more. Fresh crab meat provides the sweet succulence and delicate texture that makes crab such a treasured delicacy. If you love preparing recipes that call for lump jumbo lump, or claw crab meat, you may wonder where you can find and buy high-quality fresh crab meat near you.
When searching for fresh crab to purchase, it’s helpful to understand what exactly fresh crab is and how to identify it. Essentially, fresh crab has been cooked and picked, but never frozen. The crab meat is prepared, pasteurized to eliminate bacteria, and packed within hours of the crab being caught, giving you the freshest crab meat available.
Here are some tips on what to look for when buying fresh crab meat:
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Color – Fresh crab meat should have a natural white beige or light pink hue. Discoloration or yellow/brown tinting indicates lower quality.
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Smell – Fresh crab has a pleasant mild aroma. Rancid or strong fishy odors mean the crab meat has likely gone bad.
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Texture – Quality lump or jumbo lump crab meat should consist of large, intact chunks rather than shredded bits of meat.
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Packaging – Fresh crab is usually sold in plastic containers or tubs with packaging dates. Avoid crab meat in cans, which is most likely pasteurized crab rather than fresh.
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Price – Expect to pay a premium for fresh crab, usually $15-$30 per pound depending on the type. Lower prices may indicate the crab is not high quality.
Once you know what to look for, where are the best places to purchase superior fresh crab meat? Here are some of your top options for finding and buying fresh crab depending on your location and preferences:
Local Seafood Markets
One of the best sources for outstanding crab is a local fish market or seafood store, especially one located in a coastal region. A quality seafood market will have relationships with local fishermen and a consistent inventory of fresh catches. The knowledgeable staff can guide you in picking the right crab and answer any questions about storage and preparation as well.
Some top seafood markets known for excellent fresh crab include:
- Seattle Fish Company (multiple locations in WA, OR, CA)
- Legal Sea Foods (MA, NH, DC area)
- The Crab Place (FL locations)
- Hansen’s Seafood (MD locations)
Check your local listings to find a reputable fresh seafood market in your area. Stores located closer to major fishing ports tend to carry better variety and quality.
Online Direct from Source
Skip the middleman by purchasing crab direct from distributors who source it right off the docks. Online companies like North Coast Seafoods and Crab Dynasty collect fresh crab from fishermen and ship it out daily. This ensures you receive true fresh crab instead of frozen. The online ordering process also allows you to select the exact type of crab and quantity you want. Keep in mind shipping costs may apply.
Local Fishermen & Crab Docks
In coastal areas like the Chesapeake Bay, Gulf Shores, Pacific Northwest and New England, you may be able to purchase fresh crab right off the fishing boats. Seeking out local crab fishermen can reward you with amazing quality and insight into the catch of the day. This option definitely requires more effort to locate and connect with crab fishermen directly. And supplies may be limited based on seasonal availability. But the unbeatable freshness makes it worthwhile for dedicated crab aficionados.
Fish Mongers & Specialty Food Shops
Upscale fish mongers, butcher shops and gourmet food stores often carry live seafood and pre-picked fresh crab meat. These retailers tend to be pricier but offer quality assurance in providing the freshest ingredients. High-end grocery store chains like Whole Foods Market, Central Market and Metropolitan Market also frequently sell fresh crab, though availability varies by location. Check with your local upscale markets to see if they regularly stock or can special order fresh crab meat varieties.
Asian Supermarkets & Fish Markets
Markets catering to Asian communities commonly sell fresh crab sourced from the Pacific Northwest and Alaska regions. Most focus on Dungeness, King, and Snow crab varieties. While geographically further from much of the US, the cold Pacific waters produce some of the highest quality crab. Scout local Asian markets to uncover an excellent source of fresh crab to enhance Asian seafood recipes or any dish calling for crab.
Restaurant Suppliers
Commercial restaurant suppliers specialize in delivering fresh seafood like crab to dining establishments. Some will sell to the general public as well, giving home cooks access to professional-grade ingredients. Restaurant depot chains like US Foods Chef’s Store and Cash & Carry Smart Foodservice are examples that often sell fresh crab when available. Use their online site locators to find a location near you.
Online Retailers & Delivery Services
For the ultimate convenience, various e-commerce companies ship fresh seafood like crab meat nationwide. Online options allow you to buy fresh crab no matter where you live. Review shipping policies carefully to understand delivery methods and timing. Some popular online sources to buy fresh picked crab meat include:
- Mercato – order high-end groceries for delivery in select states
- Fulton Fish Market – ships crab overnight from New York
- Sea to Table – sustainable, seasonal seafood delivery
With so many choices on where to buy, you can easily find and order fresh crab meat for delivery to your home or look for a local seller near you. Seek out a company or fish market with a strong reputation for quality crab and excellent freshness. Then get ready to enjoy spectacular crab cakes, crab dip, pasta dishes and more made with the finest fresh crab meat you can buy.
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FAQ
When can you buy fresh crab?
When are crabs in season? Generally from April to November.
Do supermarkets sell crab meat?
Tesco Orkney Crab Meat 100G – Tesco Groceries.
What is the best way to buy crab meat?
1. Fresh crab meat should be white, firm, and eaten within two days. When it comes to selecting good fresh crab meat, trust your senses. The meat should be white for the most part with a moderately firm texture. If the meat has an exaggerated fishy or ammonia smell or has a blue tinge, steer clear.
Does Costco have real crab meat?
Chicken of the Sea Super Lump Real Crab Meat Same-Day Delivery | Costco.
Where to buy crab meat?
Many small fishmongers get daily shipments of crab and will handpick the meat for customers Going straight to the source means better quality and prices than at the supermarket. Head to Asian supermarkets, which often sell fresh crab meat in cans or plastic packages. The blue crab and snow crab meat selection can be excellent.
Where can I find the best crab markets & Seafood suppliers?
This guide will explore tips for locating the best crab markets and seafood suppliers in your area. An easy place to start your search is at your mainstream local grocery store. Many larger chains like Safeway, Kroger, Publix, H-E-B, and Albertsons have fresh seafood counters or markets.
Where can I buy a pound of crab?
Call your favorite crab house and ask if they’ll sell you a pound of jumbo lump! The crab will be the same superb quality they use in their dishes, and likely cheaper than dining there. In coastal areas, vendors at farmers markets often sell fresh seafood like crab, shrimp, and oysters.
Where can I buy fresh crab in Seattle?
Get cracking on satisfying your crab cravings ASAP! The best-tasting fresh seafood can be found at Pure Food Fish Market. Fresh crab can be ordered online now and delivered tomorrow! Pure Food Fish Market is home to the worlds best-tasting fresh seafood in Seattles iconic Pike Place Market.
Where can I buy fresh crab?
Be sure to check when they get deliveries in for the freshest picks. Warehouse retailers like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s are great spots to buy fresh crab at bulk pricing. Benefits include: The savings on seafood are big when you buy in quantity, Just be prepared to store or use plenty of crab in a short window
How do I get fresh crab meat lump delivered?
Get Fresh Crab Meat Lump delivered to you in as fast as 1 hour via Instacart or choose curbside or in-store pickup. Contactless delivery and your first delivery or pickup order is free! Start shopping online now with Instacart to get your favorite products on-demand.