Where to Buy Jumbo Lump Crab Meat: The Ultimate Guide

Jumbo lump crab meat is considered the holy grail of canned crab meats. These large, intact chunks of sweet white crab meat are perfect for seafood towers, crab cakes, and other recipes where you want the flavor and appearance of fresh-picked crab. But where can you find this premium crab meat?

In this definitive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about buying jumbo lump crab, from what exactly it is to the best places to find it. You’ll learn how to identify quality jumbo lump and get tips for getting the best deal. Let’s dive in!

What is Jumbo Lump Crab Meat?

Jumbo lump crab refers to chunks of white meat from the two largest muscles of the blue crab Instead of being shredded, the meat is carefully extracted whole to preserve the signature large, lump shapes.

True jumbo lumps measure at least 1 inch across, with some up to 3 inches! Smaller lump crab pieces are simply called lump crab meat. Jumbo lump delivers astounding visual appeal.

This top-grade crab meat comes from male crabs, which have sweeter meat. The prized claw meat is also included in jumbo lump. Due to the labor-intensive handpicking, jumbo lump commands premium pricing.

Why Buy Jumbo Lump Crab Meat?

So what makes jumbo lump worth the splurge compared to regular lump or shredded crab meat?

• Appearance – The whole chunks are gorgeous when used in appetizers, salads, pasta, etc.

• Texture – Jumbo lumps have a pleasingly firm yet tender bite,

• Flavor – Many aficionados find the taste of jumbo lump to be sweeter and more succulent.

• Prestige – Jumbo lump signals you’re serving the absolute best quality crab.

While pricier than other crab meats, a little jumbo lump goes a long way in adding luxury to recipes or enjoyed on its own. A special meal deserves special crab!

Where to Buy Jumbo Lump Crab Meat

Now that you’re sold on jumbo lump, where can you get your hands on some? Here are the best places to buy fresh jumbo lump crab:

Local Seafood Markets

Check fishmongers and seafood shops in your area. Many carry fresh jumbo lump from local crabbers when in season, typically early spring through late fall. Ask when they get deliveries for the freshest selections.

High-End Grocer Seafood Counters

Grocery stores like Whole Foods, Wegmans, and Metropolitan Market often stock fresh packaged jumbo lump in their seafood department. Quality and prices vary greatly by region.

Online Seafood Retailers

The best values come from ordering jumbo lump crab direct from reputable online seafood companies like Seattle Fish Co. and Lobster Anywhere. It arrives ultra-fresh packed in gel ice overnight.

Online Grocery Delivery

National chains like Whole Foods, FreshDirect, and Instacart allow you to add jumbo lump to your grocery cart for home delivery in select areas. Check websites for availability.

Mail Order From Crab Processing Facilities

To go straight to the source, order online directly from acclaimed crab processing houses like J.M. Clayton Seafood in Cambridge, MD and Lindy’s Seafood in Hampton, VA.

Canned Jumbo Lump

For acceptable quality when fresh isn’t available, Phillips and other brands offer pasteurized jumbo lump in shelf-stable cans at many supermarkets. Check the ingredients – it should contain only crab meat and water, no fillers.

What to Look For When Buying Jumbo Lump Crab Meat

Follow these tips to select the best jumbo lump crab:

• Seek chilled, not frozen, jumbo lump for premium quality. It should be kept on ice at the store.

• Smell the crab first. It should have a pleasant, mild sea aroma, not fishy or ammonia-like.

• Look for large, intact lumps of bright white meat, not yellowish.

• Avoid packages with excessive broken bits – this lowers the value.

• When possible, buy Maryland jumbo lump. Maryland and Virginia offer the finest blue crab.

• Check sell-by or use-by dates and pick the freshest option. Use within 2 days of purchasing for best flavor and texture.

• Make sure the crab meat is free of shell fragments – give it a good look before using.

Expert Tips for Buying Jumbo Lump Crab Meat

Follow these pro tips to get the most out of buying jumbo lump crab:

• Figure around 1⁄4 pound jumbo lump per serving. A little goes a long way! Buy only what you need.

• Buy from busy seafood counters and stores for better turnover of fresh stocks.

• Inspect the crab meat carefully before buying. Reject discolored or smelly packages.

• For the best price, buy jumbo lump during peak crab season from spring through early fall when supplies are plentiful.

• Consider buying frozen-at-sea jumbo lump to save money. Reputable brands like Sea Watch International offer excellent quality.

• Vacuum sealed pasteurized jumbo lump has a longer shelf life of 4-6 weeks unopened. Stock up if you find it on sale!

Where to Buy Jumbo Lump Crab Meat Online

For premium fresh or pasteurized jumbo lump crab delivered right to your door, here are some of the best online sources:

Lobster Anywhere

Lobster Anywhere ships ultra-fresh jumbo lump crab overnight packed in gel ice. They source from premier East and West Coast crab fisheries based on seasonality. Their jumbo lump is consistently impressive quality. Use coupon code “CRABMEAT15” to save 15% off your first order!

Seattle Fish Co.

This sustainable seafood supplier sells fresh chilled jumbo lump in 1 lb. cans and 454 gram tubs. Quick overnight shipping on ice helps it arrive in pristine condition. Seattle Fish Co. is highly regarded by chefs nationwide.

Bermuda Ocean Agency

Specializing in premium seafood from the clear waters of Bermuda, they offer East Coast jumbo lump crab meat live on the same day as catching. It’s flown direct to your doorstep on ice overnight.

JM Clayton Seafood Company

One of the most fabled crab houses on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, J.M. Clayton’s ships their hand-picked jumbo lump crab meat fully packed on gel ice. Top quality and amazing flavor.

The Crab Place

This small family-owned business in Maryland takes pride in their personally hand-picked jumbo lump crab. They overnight ship fresh catches anywhere in the country.

Phillips Foods

Known for their legendary crab cakes, Phillips Foods sells their own pasteurized jumbo lump crab meat online. It’s a reliable option when you can’t source fresh.

Where to Buy Jumbo Lump Crab Meat In Grocery Stores

If you prefer to hand-pick your own jumbo lump crab in person, check the seafood department at these grocery chains:

• Whole Foods – Whole Foods carries fresh packaged jumbo lump when available from East Coast fisheries. You’ll find the best selection at stores in crab-producing states.

• Wegmans – This East Coast favorite stocks an impressive variety of fresh seafood, including jumbo lump crab from Maryland and Virginia.Availability varies seasonally.

• Metropolitan Market – With stores across the Seattle area, Metropolitan Market is a prime spot to buy freshly cooked Dungeness crab meat. Their jumbo lump comes from the Atlantic.

• Central Market – Part of the H-E-B family, Central Market in Texas offers caught-that-day seafood. Their fresh jumbo lump ships in directly from Maryland blue crab fishermen.

• New Seasons Market – Regional chain New Seasons promises sustainable seafood. Look for their fresh cooked jumbo lump crab from Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.

• Lunds & Byerlys – Found throughout Minnesota, these upscale markets sell chilled packaged jumbo lump from both coasts depending on season.

Now that you know where to find the very best fresh and pasteurized jumbo lump crab meat, stock up on this exquisite ingredient to elevate your recipes. Savor the glorious sweet flavor and tender chunks in appetizers, main dishes, pasta, and more. Just a small amount of jumbo lump brings a touch of luxury to any meal!