Soft shell crab is a seasonal seafood delicacy that is cherished by foodies and chefs alike for its sweet, tender meat and crispy exterior when fried. However with such a short harvest season, it can be tricky to track down high-quality soft shell crab if you don’t know where to look. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about finding and buying soft shell crab.
What is Soft Shell Crab?
Soft shell crab refers to blue crabs that have recently molted their outer shell and are still soft. Crabs molt in order to grow, shedding their rigid exoskeleton and growing a new, larger one. During the molting process, there is a brief window of time when the new shell has not yet hardened where the crab is considered a soft shell crab Soft shell season only lasts 4-6 weeks in the early summer.
Soft shell crabs are prized for their delicate texture—since the shell has not hardened, the entire crab is edible. The meat has a sweet, succulent flavor and the soft shell becomes crispy and crunchy when fried. It’s an entirely different eating experience than standard hard shell crab
When is Soft Shell Crab Season?
The soft shell crab harvesting season is limited to just 4-6 weeks in early summer when crabs are molting. The exact timing varies by location, but generally:
- Chesapeake Bay: Late April/Early May through June
- Gulf Coast: May through July
- North Carolina: May through June
- New England: June through July
Due to the very brief harvest window, most soft shell crab is sold frozen once the season is over. Fresh soft shell can command premium pricing during peak season when available.
Where to Buy Fresh Soft Shell Crab In Season
If you want the very best soft shell crab, buying fresh during peak season is ideal. Here are some of the best options for finding fresh soft shell crab when available:
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Local seafood markets or fishmongers: Quality seafood shops and fish markets located near major soft shell harvesting areas like the Chesapeake Bay will have fresh soft shells when in season.
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Specialty grocery stores: Some high-end grocers like Whole Foods may carry fresh soft shell crab from local suppliers when in season. Check the seafood counter.
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Direct from local crab shacks or fishermen: If you live near a soft shell harvesting region, buying directly from crab shacks and fishermen’s co-ops is a great way to get ultra fresh crab.
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Online seafood retailers: Reputable online seafood companies like Wulf’s Fish or Crab Dynasty will ship overnight to deliver fresh soft shells if ordering during peak season.
When buying fresh, look for crabs that feel soft and limp with no cracks or hard sections on the shell. The crab should have a mild sea breeze aroma. Discoloration and strong fishy odor are signs the crab is past its prime. Portion size matters too, with jumbo and colossal size crabs being the most sought-after.
Finding Frozen Soft Shell Crab Out of Season
Since the soft shell season is so fleeting, most soft shell crab sold once peak season is over will be frozen. But frozen soft shell can still deliver great taste and texture when thawed properly. Here are some of the best sources to buy frozen soft shell crab:
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Online seafood retailers: Online companies like Wulf’s Fish and Crab Dynasty specialize in selling premium frozen soft shell crab to order year-round. The crab is harvested fresh during peak season and immediately frozen to lock in freshness.
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Grocery store freezer section: Many mainstream grocery chains will stock frozen soft shell crab, often imported from Asia. Check the label for origin and processing details.
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Seafood markets and fishmongers: Local fish shops and seafood markets are a great place to buy frozen soft shell, often blast-frozen right after being caught. This is fresher than grocery store frozen.
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Food service suppliers: Those with access to restaurant/food service suppliers can sometimes buy bulk bags of frozen soft shell at a discount.
When buying frozen, choose crabs that are vacuum sealed rather than open bags to prevent freezer burn. Avoid any with signs of ice crystals or frost which indicates improper freezing.
Tips for Preparing Frozen Soft Shell Crab
Preparing frozen soft shell crab is easy with a few simple steps:
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Thaw slowly: Thaw frozen soft shell in the refrigerator or a bowl of ice water, changing the water every 30 mins. Do not thaw at room temperature.
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Pat dry: Once thawed, pat the crabs completely dry with paper towels before breading or cooking. Excess moisture will cause splattering when frying.
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Clean: Use kitchen shears to snip away the eyes and mouth if still intact. Also remove the apron flap on the underside.
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Cook immediately: Soft shells are highly perishable once thawed and should be cooked immediately. Fried soft shell is best consumed right after cooking.
Follow these tips and you’ll be enjoying tender fried soft shell crab just like they came fresh off the boat!
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Where I buy Soft Shell Crabs
FAQ
Where are soft shell crabs found?
The first soft shell crabs of the year generally come from Florida, beginning as early as March. As the Florida soft shell crab season ends, a new one begins in Georgia and South Carolina, then trickles up the coast to Virginia, Maryland, and into the Northeast.
When can you buy soft shell crabs?
A general good rule of thumb is that they are in season from late spring through summer, with the season’s peak during early summer (more discerning crabbing experts claim that during peak season there is a noticeable quality difference between a June soft-shell and one caught in July).
Are soft shell crabs in season right now?
Soft shell crab season starts in spring through fall along the Gulf Coast, with slightly shorter seasons along the Chesapeake and East Coast. Soft shell crabs are not in season during the winter months, when the water temperature drops.
How are soft shell crabs sold?
Our super soft, soft shell crabs are sold frozen to maintain freshness. Buy some of ours today! Our soft shell crabs shed their hard outer shell, making it possible for you to eat them virtually whole. Our super soft, soft shell crabs are sold frozen to maintain freshness.