There are over 4500 species of crab in the world. Though only a few of these species end up on our dinner tables, in our kitchens, or on our plates, it can still be hard to keep track of all of these different types of crab and their many different traits. Some of the most common crab varieties include snow crabs, king crabs, and Dungeness crabs. If you want to learn more about Dungeness crab, read this blog post from our sister restaurant, Crab House. Today we are going to explore snow crab vs king crab and the important distinctions between the two. This post will help you identify which variety best suits your wallet, taste buds, and cooking styles.
Crab legs are a delicious and popular seafood item. Their sweet, tender meat is prized by seafood lovers everywhere But when is the best time to indulge in fresh crab legs? The answer depends on the type of crab Here is a comprehensive guide to crab leg seasons so you can enjoy crab at its peak.
When is King Crab Season?
Alaskan King crab is one of the most prized types of crab. The reddish-brown legs of the King crab can weigh over a pound each. King crab inhabits the cold waters of Alaska and Russia.
The King crab season in Alaska runs from October to January. The peak of the season is in November when the crabs are at their largest size after spawning over the summer months. The short King crab season coincides with the cold Alaskan winter when the crabs are most active.
King crab legs are cooked right on the crab fishing boats. The cooked crab is then frozen and shipped worldwide. You can enjoy delicious King crab any time of year but for the absolute freshest look for King crab legs in the fall and early winter months.
When to Enjoy Snow Crab Legs
Like King crab, Snow crab lives in the cold waters of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans near Alaska, Canada, and Norway. Snow crab gets its name from its snowy-white delicate meat.
Snow crab season also runs from the fall through early summer, depending on the location. Alaska and Canada have snow crab seasons starting in October or November through May or June. Fresh snow crab legs are at their peak in the late fall and winter months.
Snow crab legs are cooked right after being caught and are usually sold pre-cooked and frozen. You can find snow crab year-round, but it will be freshest and sweetest during peak season.
Dungeness Crab Season on the West Coast
Dungeness crab is found along the Pacific coastline from Alaska down to California. Its sweet, succulent meat is prized, especially in the Pacific Northwest. The peak season for Dungeness crab is winter and early spring.
The commercial Dungeness crab fishery in California, Oregon, and Washington typically runs from December to August. November is the best month for large Dungeness crabs before populations decrease. Dungeness crab season closes in the summer months to allow the crabs to reproduce and rebuild their numbers.
Try to eat fresh Dungeness crab in the winter and spring months when they are in abundance along the West coast.
When to Enjoy Blue Crab from the Atlantic and Gulf
Blue crabs are found along the Atlantic coast from New York down to Florida and all throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Unlike King, Snow, and Dungeness crab; Blue crabs are not pre-cooked on the boats. They are sold live and you have to cook them yourself.
The Blue crab harvest season varies by state, but generally runs from early spring through late fall along the East Coast and Gulf states. The peak season for the largest, meatiest Blue crabs is late summer and early fall. September and October are top months for indulging in Blue crab.
Blue crab season opens in the spring once waters warm up. Try to eat Blue crab in the warmer months rather than winter. Late summer and fall offer peak flavor and abundance.
Stone Crab Season in Florida
Florida is known for its delicious, meaty Stone crab claws. As the name suggests, only the claws are eaten. The crabs are harvested for their claws which are snapped off, allowing the crab to regrow new ones!
Stone crab season in Florida runs from October 15 to May 15. The most abundant claws come from October through December. Only buy claws from licensed crab fishermen as the catch is strictly regulated in Florida. Enjoy the claws boiled, grilled, or chilled with mustard sauce.
When Soft Shell Crabs are in Season
The soft shell crab is simply a Blue crab that has recently molted its outer shell before the new one hardens. It is a prized delicacy along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The soft shell season is relatively short, from May to September.
The peak time for soft shell crabs is late spring and early summer. Try fried soft shell crab sandwiches during the warmer months for a real treat!
Tips for Buying Crab Legs In-Season
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Try to buy crab legs as fresh as possible during peak season for optimal quality, flavor, and price.
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King, Snow, and Dungeness crab legs are typically sold pre-cooked and frozen. Make sure frozen legs are solidly frozen, not thawed and refrozen.
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Buy live Blue crabs and Stone crab claws in-season and cook them yourself for unmatched freshness.
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Ask trusted fishmongers when the current season’s crab legs arrived and where they came from.
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Be willing to splurge on premium King and Snow crab legs in the fall/winter months when they are sweetest.
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Check regulations before harvesting crabs yourself. Most states require licenses and have size and catch limits.
Following crab leg seasons allows you to enjoy crab when it is freshest and most abundant. Use this guide to know exactly when to splurge on luscious crab legs!
What do King Crabs taste like?
King crabs are incredibly delectable, and are often compared to lobster, they are THAT juicy, succulent, and tender. Their meat tends to break off in larger pieces and isn’t as easily shredded. Most people say it has a mild flavor with a hint of sweetness, which means it’s great to eat with melted butter and lemon. The meat of a king crab is white with some red streaking.
What do Snow Crabs taste like?
The only part of the snow crab that we usually eat is the legs. The meat has a nice sweetness to it along with briny, salty, and savory flavors that make it complex and well-balanced. Its texture is typically more fibrous than king crab. This texture means it is more easily shredded to smaller pieces, making it perfect for appetizers or sauces.
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FAQ
What month is the best quality for crab?
Is there a season for King Crab legs?
What is the season for snow crab?
What is the best time of year to buy King Crab legs?
Are Maryland blue crabs in season?
When is crabbing season?
Some regions even stretch crabbing season into July. It depends on the area and specific type of crab to know when the season is and when crabs will be their freshest. 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.
When are snow crab legs season?
The snow crab legs season changes based on where the snow crab is caught. This popular crustacean is fished in Alaska from January to April, and Canada from April to August. Primarily found in the deep, cold waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans, location can influence when snow crab seasons begin.
When do Dungeness crab legs come out?
In the United States, the season generally starts in December and runs through the end of June. The exact dates and regulations can vary by state, so it’s important to check with local authorities 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.