Finding Fresh Lump Crab Meat Near You

As a seafood lover, I constantly crave dishes like crab cakes, crab dip, and crab legs smothered in butter. While imitation crab can work in a pinch, nothing compares to the sweet, briny flavor of fresh lump crab meat. If you don’t live near the coast, you may wonder: where can I buy lump crab meat near me? Finding sources for premium seafood doesn’t have to be a struggle with a bit of research.

What is Lump Crab Meat?

The key to many fantastic crab recipes is using high-quality lump crab meat. Lump crab refers to chunks of meat from the body and claws of the crab rather than smaller shredded pieces. It comes in two main grades:

Jumbo lump – The largest most pristine chunks from the body and claws. These can be up to 3 inches across!
Backfin or regular lump – Smaller, dime-sized pieces still with delicious flavor. More budget-friendly.

Lump crab has a sweetness and moisture that imitation crab meat simply can’t replicate. Don’t bother with the fake stuff when you can source the real deal!

Where to Buy Lump Crab Meat

Finding fresh seafood like lump crab when you don’t live near the water can seem difficult. Here are some of my favorite ways to track it down near home:

Check High-End Grocery Stores

Grocery stores like Whole Foods often carry fresh seafood, including lump crab meat in the refrigerated section. This allows you to hand pick the product.

Visit a Reputable Fish Market

Independent fish markets and high-end butcher shops are also a good bet. Their staff can guide you on sourcing and quality.

Order Online

Many online seafood purveyors like Seattle Fish Co. ship overnight nationwide. Try ordering online for the freshest lump crab.

Use a CSA or Delivery Service

Look for community supported fisheries (CSAs) or seafood delivery in your area. These services ship seasonal catch directly from docks!

With some diligent searching, you can get premium crab meat right to your door no matter where you live.

What to Look for When Buying Lump Crab

Not all lump crab is created equal. Here’s what to look for when buying:

Color – Fresh lump crab meat should have a natural white color with a reddish-pink tint. Avoid yellow or brown discoloration.
Smell – Should have little to no “fishy” odor and smell pleasantly briny or like the ocean.
Texture – Meat should be cool and moist with a pillowy texture, not mushy.
Expiration date – Only purchase lump crab that will be sold before the expiration or sell-by date.
Packaging – Crab meat should be displayed over ice or in sealed packaging. Avoid open air displays.
Species – Blue crab and stone crab offer the finest flavor and texture for lump meat.

With fresh, high-quality lump crab meat, your recipes will shine. Don’t skimp on inferior products!

Storing Lump Crab Meat at Home

To maximize freshness, use lump crab meat within 2 days of purchasing. Here are some storage tips:

Keep chilled below 40°F, either refrigerated or on ice.
Drain off any excess liquid daily and replace ice as needed.
Seal tightly in a container or plastic wrap once opened.
For longer storage of up to 3 months, freeze in freezer bags with the air squeezed out.

With proper handling, you can enjoy lump crab meat at peak deliciousness.

Recipes for Fresh Lump Crab

Once you have your claws on some fresh lump crab meat, it’s time to start cooking! Here are some of my favorite recipes:

Maryland crab cakes – Broiled with minimal filler to let the crab shine.
Crab dip – Hot and cheesy, a party classic!
Crab louie salad – Chilled, with a creamy dressing on crisp lettuce.
Crab alfredo – Rich, decadent pasta with lump crab.
Crab legs – Slow roasted or steamed seasoned with Old Bay.

From salads to stuffings, dips and more, lump crab elevates any dish. The sweet flavor pairs perfectly with creamy sauces and lemon. Enjoy this gourmet treat!

Is Canned Lump Crab Meat Okay?

While not as ideal as fresh, canned lump crab can work in some recipes that don’t rely primarily on the crab. Opt for a refrigerated canned product vs. shelf-stable. Make sure the ingredients list real crab rather than “imitation crab” which contains little actual crab.

Lump Crab Alternatives

If you simply can’t find or afford lump crab, consider these mild, flaky alternatives:

Lobster meat
Cooked shrimp or scallops
Flaky white fish (tilapia, cod, haddock)
Surimi (imitation crab), preferably refrigerated

While the flavor won’t be as authentic, these can still make tasty recipes in a pinch!

Enjoy Fabulous Dishes with Lump Crab

With its sweet brininess and pillowy texture, lump crab meat is one of the most delicious seafood ingredients. Sourcing fresh crab doesn’t have to be impossible if you’re not near the docks. Luckily, nowadays you can order right to your door or find it at high-end grocers. Choose only the best quality lump crab and handle it with care for optimal freshness. Then get ready to create incredible recipes featuring this luxury ingredient. From crab cakes to buttery crab legs, the possibilities are endless!

where to buy fresh lump crab meat near me

Nutrition Facts3 servings per containerServing size3 oz cooked (84 g)Amount per servingCalories100% Daily Value *

Products that are dairy-free don’t have milk, butter, cheese, sour cream, yogurt, whey, casein, ghee, or lactose in them.

There isn’t a single, regulated, or agreed upon definition of paleo when it comes to diets, but we use the term “paleo-friendly” to refer to foods that are low in fat and high in protein, like fruits and vegetables (but not too many starchy ones), nuts, and seeds. Paleo-friendly products typically do not include grains, legumes, refined sugar, certain oils, dairy and non-paleo additives.

Sugar-conscious foods do not contain added sugars and have less than 4g of sugar per serving.

The Whole Foods Diet is a food-based, plant-based plan that was made by John Mackey, co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market, and Dr. Alona Pulde and Dr. Matthew Lederman. The diets follows two simple guiding principles: 1. Choose real foods over highly processed foods and 2. Eat mostly plant foods (90 to 100% of your daily calories). Some of the foods that are important to their diets are oatmeal, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.

There isn’t a single, regulated definition of the keto diet, but when we talk about foods that are “keto-friendly,” we usually mean meat and seafood that doesn’t have any added sugar, fats or cooking oils, full-fat dairy products that don’t have any added sugars, and vegetables and fruits that are low in starch, like kale, spinach, mushrooms, green beans, and green bell peppers. Some fruits, like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, can also be eaten in small amounts.

Some foods that aren’t keto-friendly are grain-based foods like bread, pasta, rice, crackers, and cookies; starchy vegetables like potatoes, corn, and yams; beans and legumes (including peanuts); fruit juice; dried fruit; and some higher-carb fruits like oranges, grapes, mangoes, pineapples, and bananas.

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