Where to Find and Buy Fresh Crab Meat

Crab meat is a delicious ingredient that can elevate seafood dishes, sandwiches, salads, and more But not all crab meat is created equal Fresh crab meat makes all the difference when it comes to taste and texture. If you want the best quality crab for your recipes, it’s important to know where to find and buy fresh crab meat.

As seafood lovers, my wife and I frequently cook with crab meat at home. Over the years, we’ve learned quite a bit about how to source high-quality fresh crab. In this article, I’ll share everything we’ve discovered to help you locate fresh crab meat in your area.

What is Fresh Crab Meat?

Let’s start with a quick overview of what fresh crab meat actually is. Fresh crab meat comes directly from cooked crabs that have been handpicked. The crab meat has not been frozen canned or processed. It should have a mild seafood flavor and moist, chunky texture. Fresh crab is sold refrigerated in the seafood section of grocery stores or fish markets.

There are a few different types of fresh crab meat you may come across:

• Jumbo Lump – From the larger swimming muscles. These are the prized large chunks.

• Lump – Smaller chunks from swimming muscles.

• Backfin – Flaky meat from the top half of the crab.

• Claw – Darker meat from the claws. Stronger flavor but great for crab cakes

For premium taste and presentation, jumbo lump is the way to go. Lump and backfin also have nice chunks. Claw meat works well for versatile recipes like dips.

Buying Direct from Local Crab Houses

One of the best ways to get true fresh crab meat is to buy direct from local crab houses, seafood markets, or fishermen near the coast. My wife and I discovered some fantastic crab meat when we visited Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Places like Crisfield, Maryland are famous for their blue crabs harvested right from the Chesapeake Bay.

When you buy from local crab houses, you know you’re getting authentic fresh meat straight from crabs caught in the region. For example, The Crab Place is a legendary crab house in Crisfield, MD. They handpick fresh meat daily from Maryland blue crabs. We ordered some of their jumbo lump crab meat which was incredible – all large pieces with amazing flavor. Local spots like The Crab Place often ship overnight nationwide if you can’t visit in person.

Research crab houses in coastal towns near you to find the best fresh meat. I’d specifically search for terms like “Maryland crab meat” or “fresh blue crab meat”. Ask them detailed questions about when and where they source their crabs. This can give you confidence you’re getting high-quality fresh meat.

Checking Local Fish Markets and Seafood Shops

Another place to check for fresh crab meat are local fish markets or seafood specialty stores. When we’re not able to make it to Maryland’s Eastern Shore, we have a great sustainable seafood shop near us in New Jersey that carries fresh lump crab meat.

Visit trusted fish markets or seafood shops in your area and ask when they get shipments of fresh crab. Tell them you’re looking for either jumbo lump or lump crab meat. Ask what days fresh crab comes in and try to shop that day. This ensures the freshest crab. Also ask where they source the crab. East and West coast crab is best.

A tip when buying from fish markets is to smell the crab meat. It should have a mild crab aroma with no strong fishy or ammonia scents, which are signs the meat may be old. Also peek in the container to make sure the meat looks fresh with no discoloration.

Check the Seafood Counter at Grocery Stores

If you don’t have access to a dedicated fish market, the seafood counter at your local grocery store is another place to check. I ask the seafood department staff when shipments of fresh crab arrive and try to shop that day.

I also recommend smelling the crab meat carefully through the packaging or asking them to open it up for you to inspect. We’ve found the quality to vary greatly between grocery stores. Certain chains like Whole Foods Market have high standards for their seafood. Your store’s seafood counter is also more likely to get frequent fresh deliveries.

Make sure to read labels closely and try to buy crab meat packed in the USA for better quality. And as always, give the meat a sniff test for any odor that seems off.

Ordering Online Direct from Crab Suppliers

Ordering fresh crab meat online directly from reputable crab suppliers is another solid option. There are some companies that specialize in overnight shipping fresh crab nationwide.

We’ve been pleased ordering from The Crab Place online when we have a crab craving but can’t make it to Maryland. As I mentioned, they’re based in Crisfield, MD and ship fresh crab meals packed that day. Their lump crab meat arrives refrigerated and incredibly fresh.

Do some searching for “fresh crab meat overnight delivery” and read reviews carefully to find the best companies. Let them know if you need the shipment expedited. Make sure to provide specific delivery instructions so they know to ship the crab meat refrigerated. Then use the fresh meat within 3-4 days of receiving it for peak flavor and texture.

Frozen Crab Meat vs. Fresh

You’ll also find frozen crab meat for sale at many grocery stores. However, I don’t recommend using frozen crab meat in recipes that really showcase the crab. Freezing can degrade the texture and taste. Fine lump meat turns to stringy flakes when frozen. And the signature sweetness fades.

Frozen is okay for dips or crab cakes where appearance isn’t as important. But I’d avoid it for dishes like crab salad where you want beautiful chunks. Go fresh for the best quality.

Pasteurized crab meat in a can or pouch has much better texture and flavor than frozen. It will keep 6 months or more refrigerated. So pasteurized crab can work when fresh isn’t available. But fresh is still ideal and worth seeking out!

Storing Fresh Crab Meat Properly

It’s important to store fresh crab meat correctly to maintain quality. Keep fresh crab meat refrigerated at all times in its original packaging or in an airtight container. Use within 3-4 days for the best flavor, texture, and freshness.

Do not freeze fresh crab meat, as this ruins the tender lumps. It also absorbs moisture and odors easily, so keep it away from open containers in the fridge.

Change any ice or drain water daily if shipping fresh crab. Use freezer packs and insulated containers to keep the meat as cold as possible.