If you are a lover of seafood, and what you want this time around is blue crabs, finding and ordering them is actually easier than you might think.
Whether you are planning a feast of seafood, or you just want to enjoy them at home with your loved ones, knowing where to look for blue crabs and how to order them is very important.
So in this post, I’ll give you a straightforward process of how to get your hands on quality blue crabs to enjoy a delicious seafood meal no matter where you are.
How To Find And Order Blue Crabs?
I used to think that finding and ordering blue crabs would be hard, but to my surprise it was actually easier than I thought, once I found the right places to look.
So here are a couple of easy process that I have been making use of, to get the freshest blue crabs either for a big family meal, or something smaller.
You can also use these methods wherever you are and at anytime you want.
1. Local Seafood Markets
Your first stop should be your local seafood market.
If you are lucky enough to live near the coast, these markets often carry live, fresh blue crabs during the crab season.
I like to chat with the fishmonger and ask when the crabs were caught, it’s always a good idea to make sure they are as fresh as possible.
If you go early, you are more likely to get the best selection before they all get sold out.
2. Online Seafood Suppliers
If local markets aren’t an option, online seafood suppliers are your next best bet.
I have ordered from a few (from Amazon), and the crabs arrived overnight, alive and fresh.
Just make sure to choose a supplier with a solid reputation.
Look for reviews that mention quick delivery and healthy crabs when they arrive, so try as much as possible to avoid those with bad reviews, so you won’t lose both your money and the crabs.
While shipping costs can add up, it’s worth every penny you spend when you are far from the coast.
3. Fishermen or Crabbers
If you are really looking for a personal connection to your seafood, consider buying directly from a fisherman or crabber.
Some of the best crabs I have ever had were bought straight off the dock.
It’s more common in coastal areas, but if you can find someone local who sells their catch, you are in for a treat.
Not only are you supporting small businesses, but you are also getting the freshest blue crabs money can buy.
4. Ask Around
Sometimes, word of mouth is the best way to find good blue crabs.
Ask friends, family, or even the people at your local seafood restaurant where they source their crabs.
That’s how I discovered a few great local suppliers in my area.
Don’t feel weird about it, a lot of people love seafood, and they would be happy to point you in the direction of someone who sells fresh blue crabs.
Recommended Tools To Help Find, Order & Prepare Blue Crabs
If you are planning to get into blue crabs, a few tools can make the process even easier.
Here are some helpful products, to make it easier to find, order, and prepare your crabs whenever you want.
1. Crab Mallet + Pick Set
“The right tool for the right job,” as they say.
A crab mallet and pick set is needed for cracking those tough shells once the crabs are cooked.
The wooden mallet is gentle on the shell, while the pick helps get every last bit of sweet crabmeat.
This set makes eating crabs easier and way more fun.
You can find a solid set like this one from Amazon.
2. Portable Cooler
If you are picking up crabs from a local market or dock, a portable cooler is a must have to keep them alive and fresh until you are at your home.
Something like the Coleman Xtreme Portable Cooler gets the job done perfectly, it’s large enough for a good amount of crabs and keeps them cold for hours.
Plus, it’s easy to transport and durable.
3. Seafood Steamer Pot
Once you have got your blue crabs, a proper steamer pot will help you cook them to perfection.
The Bayou Classic Stainless Steel Seafood Boiler Pot is a great choice to go for.
It’s large enough to handle a good number of crabs at once, and designed specifically for steaming seafood, which gives you that perfect, tender crabmeat every single time.
Read: 5 Best Crab Steamer Pots You Really Need To Consider
Having the right gear can make all the difference, whether you are ordering crabs online or picking them up at a local market.
These tools will help you enjoy the process from start to finish.
Conclusion
Finding and ordering blue crabs doesn't have to be complicated.
Even if you are picking them up locally or ordering them online, knowing where to look and having the right tools makes the whole experience easier.
With a bit of planning, and maybe a crab mallet or two, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy fresh blue crabs at home.
Just follow these steps listed above, grab the important items, and you’ll be ready to cook up a seafood feast whenever you want.
