Blue crabs are a delicious and iconic seafood that is popular along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Their sweet, briny flavor and tender meat make them a summertime favorite. While blue crabs can be found at many seafood markets, getting your hands on fresh, high-quality crabs is key. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying blue crabs so you can get the best crabs for your next crab feast.
Blue Crab Basics
Blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) are a species of swimming crab that inhabit estuaries and coastal waters from New England to Texas. Their name comes from the bright blue color on their claws. Blue crabs have a short lifespan and grow quickly, reaching market size in 12-18 months.
Males are known as “jimmies” and have a distinct T-shaped apron on their underside. Females are called “sooks” and have a rounded apron. Only male crabs are marketed as “true blue crabs”. The coveted meat comes from the body cavity and claws.
Blue crabs are caught year-round but are at their peak from April through December. The best crabs come from the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland and Virginia due to the optimal growing conditions.
Where to Buy Live Blue Crabs
For blue crab purists, buying live crabs and cooking them yourself is a must. The sweetness and texture of the meat starts to decline soon after crabs are cooked. Here are some of the best places to buy live blue crabs:
Local Seafood Markets
Check with seafood markets near major crab harvesting regions to see if they sell live crabs. Many will source live crabs during peak season. Choose active, lively crabs that are free of odors
Online Retailers
Several companies like Crab Dynasty and Cameron’s Seafood ship live Maryland crabs nationwide They use insulation and cold packs to keep the crabs alive during overnight transit Expect to pay more for the convenience of home delivery,
Local Fishermen
In coastal crab harvesting regions, you may be able to purchase live crabs right off the boat from local fishermen. This ensures peak freshness and supports local fishing communities.
No matter where you buy live crabs, inspect them upon arrival. Discard any dead crabs and cook the live crabs as soon as possible.
Buying Pre-Cooked Blue Crabs
For convenience or if you don’t live near the coast, pre-cooked blue crabs are a good option. Here are some sources for cooked crabs:
Seafood Markets
Many seafood counters sell cooked crabs, either as whole crabs or picked crab meat. Opt for chilled crabs that were cooked recently.
Online Retailers
Websites like Louisiana Crawfish Company sell fresh cooked and frozen blue crab. Overnight shipping means you can enjoy crab anywhere.
Canned Crab Meat
Canned crab meat allows you to always have crab on hand. The meat is pasteurized so it keeps for up to three years in the pantry. Use it in dips, salads, crab cakes and more.
No matter where you get cooked crabs, eat them within a day or two for the freshest taste and texture.
What Size Crabs to Buy
Blue crabs are sold by size, which determines how many you need:
- Small – 5-5.5 inches, 2-3 crabs per person
- Medium – 5.5-6 inches, 1-2 crabs per person
- Large – 6-6.25 inches, 1/2 – 1 crab per person
- Jumbo – 6.25+ inches, 1/2 crab per person
The meat yield increases exponentially with larger crab sizes, so you get more bang for your buck buying larger crabs.
For a crab feast, allow 1-2 pounds of steamed crabs per person. Buy a mix of sizes for visual appeal.
How Much Crab to Buy
When buying live or cooked crabs, use this handy chart as a guide:
- Individual meal – 1 dozen large crabs
- Family meal (4 people) – 3-4 dozen large crabs
- Large gathering (10 people) – 8-10 dozen crabs, mix of sizes
- Crab feast (20 people) – 20+ dozen crabs, mix of sizes
Live crabs are sold by the dozen or bushel. A bushel contains 4-6 dozen crabs depending on size. Buy in bulk for big gatherings to save money.
Cooked crabs are sold by the dozen or pound. Allow 1⁄2 -1 pound of steamed crab per person.
Storing Blue Crabs
Proper storage preserves freshness and flavor. Here are some tips:
- Keep live crabs damp and refrigerated. Use a wet towel over the container. Cook within 1-2 days.
- Store cooked crabs chilled. Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Canned crabmeat is shelf stable. Refrigerate opened cans and use within 4-5 days.
With proper handling, blue crabs stay delicious until you are ready to eat them.
Time Your Delivery
To ensure peak freshness, time the delivery of crabs right before your meal. Here are some tips:
- For live crabs, order 1-2 days before cooking to allow for overnight shipping.
- If cooking crabs yourself, order pre-steamed crabs to arrive the morning of your event.
- For same-day crab feasts, choose local cooked crabs so they don’t sit too long.
Proper timing prevents over-shipped or tired-tasting crabs.
Blue Crab Cooking Tips
Blue crabs shine with simple preparations. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Steam whole live crabs with Old Bay seasoning for a classic crab boil.
- Serve chilled, pre-cooked crabs with drawn butter for dipping.
- Sauté lump crab meat lightly and pile into sandwiches or lettuce wraps.
- Bake canned crab meat into crab cakes, adding breadcrumbs and spices.
- Whip up crab dip using lump crab and cream cheese as an easy appetizer.
From traditional crab boils to quick weeknight meals, blue crab brings incredible flavor.
With this guide, you can source fresh blue crabs for an authentic crab feast. The sweet taste and delicate texture of blue crab is a quintessential summer delicacy. Follow these tips to get your hands on the best local crabs or order premium crabs online.
Dont forget your Utensils
All the items you need to make it easier for you to eat your seafood! These are so handy to have and will easily store with your other kitchen utensils.
From the Coastal Waters of Florida to Your Dinner Table
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FAQ
What month is best to buy blue crab?
The season is technically April through November, but the best crabs are caught in August and September.
How many is 1 lb of blue crab?
Most enthusiasts love the larger sizes in the male or “jimmy”. That’s when it comes down to more “bang for the buck.” An average blue crab weighs about 1/3 pound and yields about 2 ¼ ounces of meat. Add up the math and you’ll find it takes about 6 crabs to pick a pound.
Does Whole Foods sell blue crab?
Jumbo Lump Blue Swimming Crab, 8 OZ at Whole Foods Market.
Does Costco sell blue crabs?
Discover the freshness of wild-caught Costco seafood, from blue crabs to marinated delicacies.