Imagine the taste of a perfectly steamed Maryland blue crab, dripping with Old Bay seasoning, even if you live hundreds of miles from the Chesapeake Bay. That salty, sweet flavor is a piece of Maryland magic, right? But how do you capture that experience when you’re far from the coast? That’s where the world of shipping live crabs comes in, and frankly, it can feel like a confusing maze.
Choosing the best Maryland crabs shipped involves more than just picking the cheapest option. You worry about freshness, delivery time, and whether those crabs will arrive ready to steam or just as a pile of shells. Nobody wants to pay top dollar for a disappointing seafood delivery! This guide cuts through the noise and tackles the biggest headaches associated with ordering crabs online.
By reading on, you will learn the secrets to identifying reliable shippers, understanding shipping timelines, and ensuring your next crab feast arrives exactly as promised. Get ready to unlock the keys to perfect, hassle-free Chesapeake Bay flavor delivered right to your door, so let’s dive into how to get those delicious crabs!
Top Maryland Crabs Shipped Recommendations
- FRESH PREMIUM MARYLAND CRAB MEAT – Premium Maryland crab meat made fresh with simple, flavorful ingredients; all seafood and seasonings are naturally gluten-free and processed in a facility where cross-contamination is possible.
- YEAR-ROUND AVAILABILITY – Steamed-to-order Maryland Blue Crabs are available any time of year, backed by over 20 years of trusted USA shipping experience delivering top-quality Maryland seafood.
- EASY AT-HOME MARYLAND CRAB FEAST – Ships fast and ready to enjoy; serve right out of the box or re-steam at home. Includes crab paper, mallet, and glass for an authentic Maryland crab experience.
- AUTHENTIC CHESAPEAKE-STYLE FLAVOR – Seasoned with classic Chesapeake-style spices for bold, savory Maryland crab flavor that crab lovers expect.
- PREMIUM MARYLAND HARDSHELL CRABS – Includes a full dozen steamed-to-order Maryland Blue Crabs, delivering peak freshness and flavor for a traditional Maryland crab feast at home.
- Brought to you by Whole Foods Market.
- A perfect weeknight meal handmade with tender & sweet premium crab.
- Wild caught.
- Ready to cook.
- Our fresh blue crabs are prepared in the true Maryland style, steamed and spiced with our Maryland style crab seasoning. Get our famous blue crabs delivered right to your door!
- We catch live crabs and steam them daily. Our team carefully selects for quality and packs with the utmost care. Steamed crabs will arrive refrigerated at or below 38 degrees F in a crab cooler.
- When ready to enjoy your fresh blue crabs, simply reheat them in a steamer for approximately 5-10 minutes and use our signature crab seasoning and spice to flavor.
- Includes a 1-lb. bag of signature crab seasoning and 5 crab mallets for you and your fellow crab lovers to crack open those delicious blue crab claws. Note: female crabs may contain blue crab roe underneath the top shell.
- After you are done picking your crabs for that delicious buttery-sweet lump crab meat and you have more than you can eat... freeze it off and turn it into some Maryland style crab cakes.
- MADE WITH THE BEST AND FRESHEST MARYLAND CRABMEAT We use our best Maryland jumbo lump crab meat, so every bite is packed with large, succulent pieces of premium crab. This commitment to quality is what makes the crab the undisputed star of the show.
- MINIMAL FILLER Unlike other crab cakes, ours are crafted with "no filler." We add just enough bread crumbs to keep the delicate crab meat together, allowing the pure, sweet flavor of the crab to shine through.
- HANDCRAFTED WITH SIGNATURE SPICES AND HERBS We hand make every crab cake, blending the premium crabmeat with a perfect mix of signature spices and herbs. This special blend enhances the natural taste of the crab, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
- THE PERFECT COMPANION FOR ANY OCCASION Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, these crabcakes are designed to impress your guests and elevate any meal.
- PREMIUM GOURMET SEAFOOD From our company, "I Love Crabs," these crab cakes deliver a premium gourmet seafood experience right to your door. You get restaurant-quality taste and texture without ever leaving home.
- Goodness You Can Taste: Bring home a classic taste of seafood with our delicious Crab Cakes. Made from high-quality, real crab meat, our Maryland-style crab cakes are made with diced onion, butter, and savory seasonings.
- Unmatched Flavor: As masters of our craft, we skillfully prepare our seafood so it’s always full of delicious flavor and nutrition. These crab cakes are ideal for serving up a fresh-tasting, convenient meal.
- A Wholesome Catch: These crab cakes are always prepared with no artificial colors or flavors, hydrogenated oils, or antibiotics. Plus, our cakes are a natural source of natural Omega-3s and protein.
- Easy to Cook: Enjoy a deliciously fresh meal that is prep-free, mess-free, and stress-free! Simply heat cakes in a conventional oven until fully cooked, or cook on the stovetop.
- Trusted Since 1849: We’ve served families great seafood for over 175 years because of our longstanding commitment to quality and to ocean preservation.
- MADE WITH THE BEST AND FRESHEST MARYLAND CRABMEAT We use our best Maryland jumbo lump crab meat, so every bite is packed with large, succulent pieces of premium crab. This commitment to quality is what makes the crab the undisputed star of the show.
- MINIMAL FILLER Unlike other crab cakes, ours are crafted with "no filler." We add just enough bread crumbs to keep the delicate crab meat together, allowing the pure, sweet flavor of the crab to shine through.
- HANDCRAFTED WITH SIGNATURE SPICES AND HERBS We hand make every crab cake, blending the premium crabmeat with a perfect mix of signature spices and herbs. This special blend enhances the natural taste of the crab, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
- THE PERFECT COMPANION FOR ANY OCCASION Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, these crabcakes are designed to impress your guests and elevate any meal.
- PREMIUM GOURMET SEAFOOD From our company, "I Love Crabs," these crab cakes deliver a premium gourmet seafood experience right to your door. You get restaurant-quality taste and texture without ever leaving home.
- Female Maryland Steamed Blue Crabs are a mix of small and medium crabs.
- Caught, steamed the same day
- Ships fresh with gel packs *may ship frozen during off-season (end of November thru April)
- Recommended serving: 6 crabs/person Seasoned crabs: you can specify your preference in the order notes
- Fully cooked, ready to eat or reheat (instructions included)
- #2 Male Maryland Steamed Blue Crabs are a mix of small and medium crabs.
- Our crabs are authentic Maryland Blue Crabs caught daily and delivered the same day from the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.
- Fresh & delicious, mail order blue crabs are caught, steamed and packed the same day it ships
- Ready to eat: simple reheating included
- WARNING: Consuming this product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov/food.
Your Guide to Sourcing the Best Maryland Crabs Shipped Right to Your Door
There’s nothing quite like the taste of a fresh Maryland blue crab. That sweet, salty flavor is a true delight. Getting these famous crabs shipped to you is easier than ever, but you need to know what to look for. This guide helps you find the best catch for your next crab feast.
Key Features to Look for in Shipped Crabs
When buying Maryland crabs online, several features tell you if you are getting a quality product. Always check these items first.
Size Matters
- Jumbo: These are the biggest crabs available. They offer the most meat.
- Large/Medium: Good middle-ground sizes. Great for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
- Sinker/Bushels: Smaller crabs, often sold in bulk. Perfect if you plan on having a huge party.
Crab Condition
You want crabs that are cooked and immediately chilled or frozen. Look for vendors who clearly state their crabs are “guaranteed fresh” or “flash-frozen”. Live crabs are tricky to ship safely, so most reputable sellers send cooked, seasoned crabs.
Seasoning Level
Maryland crabs are famous for Old Bay or similar spice blends. Ask about the seasoning. Some companies season lightly; others pack them heavily. Choose what fits your taste preference.
Important Materials: What Makes the Difference
The “material” here refers to the crab itself and how it is handled after being caught.
The Crab Species
Ensure you are getting true Atlantic Blue Crabs (*Callinectes sapidus*). These are the crabs that define Maryland cuisine. Avoid generic “blue crabs” if you are seeking the authentic taste.
Packaging Integrity
Good shipping requires good insulation. Look for vendors using Styrofoam coolers or high-grade insulated boxes. The crabs must be packed tightly with plenty of gel packs or dry ice to maintain a temperature below 40°F (4°C) during transit.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The journey from the Chesapeake Bay to your kitchen significantly impacts flavor.
Quality Boosters: Speed and Seasoning
- Quick Delivery: Faster shipping (overnight or 1-day air) keeps the meat firmer and fresher. This is the single biggest factor in quality.
- Proper Cooking: Crabs should be steamed quickly after being harvested. Good vendors handle this process perfectly.
- Pre-Seasoning: Some sellers steam and season the crabs just before freezing. This locks in flavor.
Quality Reducers: Delays and Thawing
Long shipping delays severely reduce the flavor. If crabs arrive lukewarm or partially thawed, the texture will suffer. Also, avoid vendors that use weak packaging; poor insulation leads to temperature spikes.
User Experience and Use Cases
Shipping crabs changes how you enjoy them compared to a local crab shack.
The Convenience Factor
The best use case is convenience. You can host an authentic Maryland crab feast anywhere in the country without driving to the Eastern Shore. This is great for holidays or special celebrations.
The User Setup
When your shipment arrives, expect a large, cold box. You will usually need to let the crabs thaw safely in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours before serving. Some users prefer to reheat the crabs slightly (steaming them again for a few minutes) to enhance the aroma, but this is optional.
When you order, plan ahead. Always schedule delivery for the day before your planned feast!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Maryland Crabs Shipped
Q: How long do shipped crabs stay fresh?
A: If kept frozen, they can last for several months. Once thawed in the refrigerator, you should eat them within two days for the best taste.
Q: Do I have to cook the crabs when they arrive?
A: Most reputable companies ship them already cooked and seasoned. You only need to thaw them and serve them cold, or gently reheat them.
Q: What is the difference between Male (Jimmy) and Female (Sook) crabs?
A: Males (Jimmies) are prized for their white meat, which is generally sweeter. Females (Sooks) contain the orange/yellow substance called “tomalley,” which some people love.
Q: Can I order live crabs?
A: Yes, some specialized vendors ship live crabs, but this is much riskier and more expensive due to strict shipping regulations and the need for constant temperature control.
Q: How much does a bushel of crabs usually weigh?
A: A standard bushel (a large wooden basket) usually weighs between 70 and 90 pounds, depending on the size of the crabs inside.
Q: What is the best way to reheat pre-cooked crabs?
A: The best way is to steam them lightly for about 5 to 10 minutes with a little water in the bottom of the pot. Do not boil them!
Q: What should I do if my package arrives warm?
A: If the box feels warm or the ice packs are completely melted, contact the shipping company and the vendor immediately. Do not eat the crabs if you suspect they were above 40°F for several hours.
Q: Are the shipping costs high?
A: Yes, shipping seafood requires expensive overnight or 1-day service. Expect shipping costs to be a significant part of your total order.
Q: What is “shell-on” vs. “picked” crab meat?
A: Shell-on means you get the whole crab to pick yourself. Picked meat means the vendor has already taken the meat out of the shell for you, which is great for recipes like crab cakes.
Q: Do most vendors ship nationwide?
A: Yes, most major Maryland seafood suppliers ship across the entire continental United States, provided they can guarantee 1- or 2-day delivery times.