Most people are not aware of it but the timing of when you eat blue crab actually matters.
However, this doesn’t mean you can only eat it at a certain time, but there is a particular time when you can get the best crab to eat.
The best time of the month to enjoy blue crabs isn’t just about convenience, it’s about getting the fullest, sweetest crab meat possible, this is something we should all watch out for.
Blue crabs go through molting cycles, which can affect the quality of the crab meat.
If you want to make sure you are opening up the crab at their peak, it’s helpful to know when they are at their best.
So in this post, I will be breaking down the best time to eat blue crab so you can plan your next crab feat perfectly, it is best to have a crab cookout or even if it is a casual crab dinner at the best possible time..
Best Time Of The Month To Eat Blue Crabs
The best time of the month to eat blue crabs would be when the molting cycle slows down, and happens to be after the full moon.
Now let’s explore why this is the best time to eat blue crabs below.
1. Understanding the Molting Cycle
The first thing to know is that blue crabs go through a molting cycle.
They shed their shells as they grow, and this process affects the quality of the meat.
I have noticed that just after a molt, the crabs have less meat, and it tends to be watery.
That’s because they are still filling out their new shell.
If you want the best meat, you’ll want to go for crabs that are "heavy", meaning they have had time to fill up their shell again.
Read: How To Tell If A Crab Is Hollow Or Full Of Meat?
These are the crabs are packed with sweet, firm meat that’s perfect for eating.
2. Best Time of the Month: After the Full Moon
In my experience, the best time of the month to eat blue crabs is about a week after the full moon.
Why?
That’s basically when the molting slows down, and the crabs have had time to grow into their new shells.
During the full moon, crabs are more likely to shed their old shells, so the meat right after a molt is less ideal for eating.
Waiting until after the full moon make sure you are getting crabs that are at their fullest.
3. Late Summer and Early Fall
Another thing to consider is the season.
I have found that late summer and early fall are best times to eat blue crabs.
The crabs are usually bigger and heavier during these months, and the meat happens to be sweeter.
In the early part of the summer, crabs are still in the process of growing, so while they are tasty, they might not be as full.
By August and September, you are more likely to get those nice, meaty crabs that are worth the effort.
4. Checking for Heavy Crabs
When you are at the market or pulling up your crab pots, there’s a little trick I like to use to check if the crabs are full.
Pick one up and gently squeeze the sides of the shell near the back leg.
If it feels firm, you have likely got a "heavy" crab.
If it feels soft or hollow, the crab probably just molted and won’t have as much meat inside.
It’s a simple way to make sure you are getting the best crabs for your meal.
Products To Help With Catching, Cooking & Eating Blue Crabs
These are some products that I recommend which would help you with catching, cooking, and eating blue crabs.
I make use of each item all the time, and I find each of them extremely useful:
1. Crab Trap
Product: Promar CR-600 Crab Trap
If you are looking to catch your own blue crabs, a good crab trap is important, you can’t catch crabs without a crab trap.
The Promar CR-600 is durable and designed specifically for crabbing.
I love how easy it is to set up and use, plus it has plenty of room to hold your catch.
This trap will help make sure you are getting crabs at their best.
2. Crab Boil Pot
Product: Bayou Classic 44-Quart Aluminum Boil Pot
Once you have caught your crabs, you’ll need a pot to cook them.
The Bayou Classic 44-Quart Boil Pot is perfect for boiling large batches of crabs.
I love its strong design and the included basket for easy removal of the crabs once they are cooked.
This pot makes it easy to prepare a delicious crab feast at home.
It’s a great addition to any seafood lover's kitchen.
Read: 5 Best Crab Steamer Pots You Really Need To Consider
3. Crab Mallet Set
Product: Hiware 12-Piece Crab Crackers and Picks Set
When it’s time to dig into your delicious blue crabs, having the right tools is very important.
This 12 piece set from Hiware includes crab crackers and picks that make it easy to get every bit of meat out.
I have used these for years, in fact, I still use them, and they make the process a lot more enjoyable.
And I say it’s a must have for any crab lover out there.
These products will help you catch, cook, and enjoy blue crabs at their best, while they also make sure you have a great experience from start to finish.
Conclusion
Knowing the best time to eat blue crabs can lift up your seafood experience.
By waiting a week after the full moon and targeting late summer and early fall, you set yourself up for a feast of sweet, delicious and flavorful meat.
Matching this knowledge with the right tools, from traps to pots to crackers, will lift up your crabbing and cooking journey.
With a bit of planning and the right equipment, you can enjoy blue crabs at their best, which makes every meal more enjoyable.
