Where to Buy High-Quality Crab Meat: A Guide for Seafood Lovers

Crab meat is one of the most delicious and coveted types of seafood Its sweet, succulent flavor and tender flaky texture make it a seafood lover’s dream But not all crab meat is created equal. Finding high-quality crab meat can be tricky if you don’t know where to look.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the key things to look for when buying crab meat and recommend the best places to purchase premium crab meat for your seafood recipes and dishes.

What to Look for When Buying Crab Meat

When searching for top-notch crab meat to serve your family and friends, here are the key buying criteria to keep in mind:

Type of Crab

There are many varieties of crab, but the most common types used for crab meat are blue crab, king crab, snow crab, and Dungeness crab. The flavor and texture varies slightly among the types. Blue crab is considered the most desirable for picking crab meat because of its sweet taste and large, hearty claws and legs.

Lump Size

Crab meat is categorized by the size of the crab meat lumps. The larger and more intact the lumps are the higher quality the crab meat is considered.

• Jumbo lump: The largest, most premium lumps from the swimming legs and claws.

• Lump or backfin: Smaller broken pieces from the body. Still flavorful with some hearty chunks.

• Claw: From the claws with a shredded, stringy texture.

• Special: A mix of lump and claw meat.

Jumbo lump commands the highest prices for its impressive presentation, but the smaller lump and claw meats can also be delicious.

Processing Method

• Fresh: Raw crab that is cooked, picked, and packed. It has superior flavor and texture but a very short shelf life.

• Pasteurized: Crab meat that is quickly steamed and refrigerated to maintain freshness longer. Pasteurization extends the shelf life to about 1 year when kept refrigerated.

• Imitation crab: Surimi, a paste made from pollock fish that is colored and flavored to resemble crab. Not real crab but cheaper.

Fresh crab and pasteurized crab from reputable sources are vastly superior to imitation crab meat.

Additives

Check the ingredients list for additives like preservatives, artificial flavors, and excess sodium. Quality crab meat needs little more than salt and lemon juice to taste delicious.

Region

Certain regions like the Chesapeake Bay, Pacific Northwest, and Alaska have long histories and pride in crab fishing. Buying from reputable sources in these crab-rich regions can offer prime seafood.

When you find crab meat that checks all the boxes for freshness, natural processing, and premium lump size, you’ve struck gold. Now let’s look at some of the best places to purchase.

Where to Buy Jumbo Lump Crab Meat

1. Local Fish Markets

Checking your local fish market or seafood store is always a smart first stop when seeking out quality crab. The crab is likely to be ultra-fresh and you can inspect it personally before purchasing. Get cooking and eating crab cakes, stuffed mushrooms, crab imperial, and more that same day for seafood at its best.

Downsides are that selection is smaller than online and prices can be higher than buying direct.

2. Online Seafood Companies

Online seafood companies like Newman’s Fish and North Coast Seafoods ship fresh seafood overnight direct to your door. This offers the perks of:

• Huge selection of premium crab meat varieties including jumbo lump.

• Affordable prices compared to local fish markets.

• Convenient nationwide shipping.

I personally love ordering crab meat online. It arrives super fresh in icy coolers and I can get my hands on prized Chesapeake jumbo lump at a fraction of the cost at restaurants.

Just be sure to choose reputable companies with fast shipping and guaranteed freshness.

3. Warehouse Clubs

Warehouse stores like Costco, BJ’s, and Sam’s Club often stock large crab leg clusters or canned jumbo lump in their frozen seafood section. While not as fresh as fish markets or online, these massive buys can offer big savings on crab.

The claw and leg meat might not be huge lumps, but it provides delicious crab for crab cakes, dips, and crab rangoons on a budget.

4. Asian Markets

Markets specializing in Asian or Pacific Islander cuisine frequently stock live crab and frozen crab sourced from the Pacific region. Prices are competitive and the quality is excellent.

Check tanks for signs of healthy, active live crabs. And if purchasing frozen, make sure it is solidly frozen with no frost or burn spots.

5. High-End Groceries

Upscale grocery chains like Wegmans, Whole Foods, Fresh Market, and Metropolitan Market have fantastic seafood departments. While prices are higher than online and warehouses, the selection, freshness, and quality available can make it worthwhile if you have access to these grocers.

I’ve found jumbo lump blue crab from the Chesapeake Bay at Wegmans that compares to the best I’ve had in Maryland restaurants at half the price.

6. Direct from a Local Crab Shack

Finally, if you live near the source like the East Coast or Pacific Northwest, buying direct from a local crab shack, fishery, or crab pot is the ultimate in flavor and freshness.

Getting freshly steamed, picked crab meat right off the fishing boats is an incredible indulgence for crab devotees.

Storing Crab Meat Properly

To fully enjoy premium crab meat, be sure to store it with care as soon as you get home:

• Keep fresh crab meat refrigerated at 38°F or below.

• Cooked crab meat only lasts 1-2 days in the fridge. Freeze any extra in an airtight bag for up to 3 months.

• Frozen crab meat is best used within 3-6 months for peak quality.

• Don’t refreeze previously frozen crab.

• Store opened canned crab in the fridge and use within 3-4 days.

With proper storage, you can enjoy crab in your favorite recipes like crab cakes, crab salad, crab bisque soup, crab dip, and more!

Time to Treat Your Tastebuds