Where to Get Crab Legs: A Guide to Finding the Freshest and Best Crab Legs

Crab legs are a delicious and popular seafood item enjoyed by many Their sweet, succulent meat is full of flavor and makes a great addition to various dishes. But finding high-quality, fresh crab legs can be tricky This guide will walk you through the best places to buy crab legs, things to look for when purchasing, and how to store them properly.

Purchasing Crab Legs at the Grocery Store

One of the most convenient places to buy crab legs is your local grocery store However, the quality and selection can vary greatly depending on the specific store

When shopping for crab legs at the grocery store here are some tips

• Stick to trusted chains or seafood-focused stores – Major chains like Kroger, Publix, H-E-B, and Safeway generally have a decent selection of crab legs when in stock. Seafood-focused stores like Whole Foods also carry quality options.

• Check the label – The label should clearly state what type of crab it is (King, Snow, Dungeness, etc.) and where it was caught or processed. Alaska, Canada, and the Pacific Northwest are ideal sources.

• Look for freshness – Legs should look moist and shiny, not dried out. Make sure they are properly chilled in the seafood counter ice. Ask when they came in.

• Buy frozen if not fresh – If they don’t look freshly thawed, opt for frozen legs instead. Frozen crab maintains quality very well.

• Inspect for breakage – Legs should be intact, not cracked or broken apart. Damage indicates mishandling.

When possible, try to buy crab legs from a trusted local seafood market or international grocery store over the regular chains for better quality and unique options.

Ordering Crab Legs Online

Purchasing crab legs online opens up many more possibilities in terms of suppliers and varieties. Here are some of the best online seafood stores for buying fresh crab legs:

• Catalina Offshore Products – This highly reputable seafood supplier ships overnight nationwide and has an incredible selection of premium crab legs. The cold-pack shipping ensures it stays frozen.

• Maine Lobster Now – For East coast crab like Jonah crab claws, this is a top choice. Their packing and shipping process maintains freshness beautifully.

• Fulton Fish Market – A classic New York seafood market with overnight nationwide shipping and a variety of crab leg choices.

• Lobster Anywhere – Specializes in live and raw seafood, but also offers cooked snow crab legs and king crab legs.

• Citarella – Another famous luxury New York seafood market with overnight delivery on items like gigantic king crab legs.

When ordering online, look for trusted suppliers focused on quality and freshness who use overnight shipping. This ensures your crab legs arrive in peak condition.

Purchasing Crab Legs at Local Seafood Markets

Visiting local seafood specialty markets is often the best way to get truly fresh, high-quality crab legs. Here are some tips for buying at local seafood markets:

• Get to know the reputation – Talk to locals and read reviews to identify the best fresh seafood markets in your area. They should be known for freshness and service.

• Ask questions – Inquire about where/when the crab legs came in and where they source from. This shows how knowledgeable and transparent they are.

• Use your senses – Smell for a fresh, briny scent. Look for moistness and sheen on the legs. Feel for firmness and chill.

• Buy cooked frozen as a backup – If no fresh, raw legs are available, get frozen pre-cooked as an alternative.

• Consider live – Some markets sell live crab to take home and cook yourself for ultimate freshness. This is a unique experience worth trying.

Buying at specialty seafood markets typically costs more but yields the highest quality crab legs. Get to know the owners at your local favorites!

Things to Avoid When Buying Crab Legs

While there are many great places to buy crab legs from, there are a few sources you’ll want to avoid:

• Non-reputable online sellers – Random websites with no verifiable reputation or unknown supply chains. Stick to established, trusted online seafood companies only.

• Farmed or imported crab – Crab legs from Asia or farmed sources are typically lower quality. Wild-caught domestic sources like Alaska are best.

• Already cracked legs – Pre-cracked legs have more surface area exposed, drying them out. It also indicates mishandling. Buy legs fully intact.

• Discoloration or drying – Legs should look moist and bright white/red, not yellow or dried out. Discoloration means they are old.

• Broken or damaged legs – Fully intact, unbroken legs are essential for freshness. Damage indicates poor handling and decay.

When uncertain, ask questions about the source and handling process. High-quality vendors will be happy to provide details.

Proper Storage and Handling of Crab Legs

To maximize freshness and shelf life of crab legs once you bring them home:

• Keep frozen legs frozen – Place frozen legs in freezer immediately and do not thaw until ready to cook. This preserves quality.

• Cook fresh legs quickly – Fresh legs need to be cooked within 1-2 days max. The quicker they are cooked, the better.

• Seal air-tight – Store opened cooked crab in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days max.

• Avoid cross-contamination – Store legs on bottom shelf of fridge to prevent bacteria from meat dripping. Never place over ready-to-eat foods.

• Follow freeze-by dates – For frozen pre-cooked legs, follow freeze-by/best by dates and don’t re-freeze after thawing.

Proper storage and handling prevents bacterial growth and deterioration of your crab legs. Handle them with care to maximize enjoyment!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crab Legs

How long do raw crab legs last in the fridge?

Raw, uncooked crab legs will maintain peak quality for 1-2 days maximum when properly stored in the fridge. Make sure they are kept on ice. The sooner you cook them, the better!

What is the best way to thaw frozen crab legs?

The safest method is thawing overnight in the fridge. You can also hold them under cold running water for 30 minutes until pliable. Never thaw at room temp.

Can you re-freeze crab legs after cooking?

Previously frozen raw crab legs are fine to cook, eat, and re-freeze leftovers. However, you should not re-freeze pre-cooked crab legs after thawing them. Consume fully within 3-4 days.

How can you tell if frozen crab legs went bad?

Signs of spoiled crab include foul odors, mushy texture, dried out appearance, or milky/slimy discoloration once thawed. If in doubt, discard them. Frozen storage only slows spoilage, not prevents it entirely over time.

Is it better to buy crab legs cooked or raw?

This depends on your goals. Raw legs allow you full control and the potential for maximum freshness. But cooked legs are more convenient. Both have advantages, so choose based on your needs.

In Conclusion

Finding and cooking up delicious, high-quality crab legs is easy with the tips in this guide. Opt for trusted sources like major grocery chains, reputable online seafood retailers, and specialty local markets over questionable sellers. Handle raw and cooked legs with care via proper storage and quick cooking. Follow these best practices, and you’ll be enjoying wonderful crab legs in no time!