All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(56 products available)
The main difference between soft shell crabs and hard shell crabs is that soft shell crabs are molting hard shell crabs. Soft shell crabs are usually blue crabs that have just completed molting and have a soft, vulnerable shell. The molted soft shell crab, however, can be any species of crab. The soft crab price depends on different types.
Some of the types of soft shell crabs are:
Blue crabs
Soft shell blue crabs have a slightly different taste and texture compared to hard blue crabs. This is because they are more delicate and have a broader, sweeter taste than hard blue crabs. They are also slightly saltier than hard blue crabs. The price of soft shell blue crabs varies based on size, availability, and market demand.
Jonah crabs
Jonah soft shell crabs have tender and flaky meat and a slightly sweet and rich taste. Soft shell jonah crabs are available from May to June and from September to November. Their price depends on market demand and availability of the crabs.
Spanner crabs
Spanner soft shell crabs have a sweet and slightly briny taste. Their meat is tender and highly sought after for its delicate texture. Spanner soft shell crabs are available year-round, depending on the region and the fishing conditions. Their price depends on the size, quality, and market demand for the crabs.
She-crabs
She-crabs are the females of the blue crab species. She-crabs have a rich and sweet meat that is highly prized for its flavor. Soft shell she-crabs are available from late March to June and late August to October. The price of soft shell she crabs is influenced by the season, demand, and size.
Mud crabs
Mud crabs have a rich, slightly sweet flavor and a firm, tender texture. They are commonly found in mangrove and estuarine environments. Mud crabs shed their exoskeletons and become soft shell mud crabs during the molting process. Soft shell mud crabs are generally available throughout the year. The price is influenced by factors like size, demand, and region.
Soft shell crab has a highly versatile culinary application and can be used in different recipes.
Sautéed soft shell crab
This usually involves lightly coating the crab in seasoned flour and quickly frying it in oil until crispy. In other recipes, the crab is simply sautéed in butter with garlic and herbs for a rich and flavorful dish. This method highlights the delicate texture of the crab while adding a crispy contrast. It also infuses the crab with rich, savory flavors.
Soft shell crab tacos
Soft shell crab tacos is a popular dish among seafood lovers. In this recipe, the fried or grilled crabs are the primary filling and are usually topped with cabbage, avocado, and a creamy sauce. These tacos can be either soft or crispy, depending on the preference of the user. In this recipe, the user can add a spicy salsa or pico de gallo for some heat. When making soft shell crab tacos, ensure that the crabs are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Soft shell crab salad
Soft shell crab salad is another way of enjoying soft shell crabs. The crabs are usually lightly fried or grilled and then tossed with mixed greens, avocado, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette. This preparation is popular for light lunches or summer dining. It combines the richness of the crab with refreshing vegetables.
Soft shell crab pasta
For soft shell crab pasta, the sautéed or fried crabs are added to pasta tossed with garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and greens like arugula or spinach. The crab imparts a briny depth to the dish, complementing the pasta. The richness of the crab blends well with the savory sauce for a fulfilling meal.
Soft shell crab po' boy
This classic Southern dish features fried soft shell crab served within a bread held together with lettuce, tomatoes, and a spicy mayo or remoulade. It is an iconic sandwich popular in New Orleans and other Gulf Coast regions. The crispy crab and soft bread combine amazing textures while the fillings add refreshing contrast to the fried crab.
Soft shell crab offers numerous health benefits that are good for the user’s overall body well-being.
Rich in high-quality protein
Soft shell crab is an amazing source of ultra-high-quality protein. The protein helps in tissue repair, muscle growth, and immune function. Crab meat is also highly bioavailable, meaning the body can absorb and utilize it efficiently.
Soft shell crab is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for the body’s optimal functioning. These fatty acids are present in significantly high amounts in soft shell crab compared to other meats. Omega-3 fatty acids promote heart health by reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing the risk of cardiac diseases. They also support brain function and may help in reducing cognitive decline.
Low in fat and calories
Soft shell crab is relatively low in total fat compared to other meats or seafood. This makes it a lighter option for those looking to reduce their fat intake. It is also low in calories, thus making it a fulfilling meal without high calorie consumption.
Packed with essential vitamins and minerals
Soft shell crab is packed with vitamin B12, which is important for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and the formation of red blood cells. It also contains vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health. Soft shell crab is also rich in minerals like zinc, helping support the immune system, promote wound healing, and assist in cellular growth and regeneration.
Soft shell crab is an excellent source of iron, a mineral crucial for the formation of hemoglobin and oxygen transport in the body. The crab meat offers more iron than many other seafood options, making it beneficial for those at risk of iron deficiency. Soft shell crab also contains phosphorus, which supports bone health and helps maintain healthy teeth.
Soft shell crab is highly perishable and needs to be stored properly to maintain its freshness and flavor. Knowing how to store soft shell crab increases its shelf life and also prevents it from going bad before its time.
Keep them alive
For the best freshness, store soft shell crabs alive, as they begin to deteriorate quickly once they die. Store them in a shallow container lined with damp seaweed, paper towels, or a wet cloth to keep them moist. Do not store them in ice, as the ice will harden their shells and kill them. Place the container in the refrigerator and keep the crabs covered with the damp seaweed or cloth to maintain humidity while allowing circulation. Avoid stacking them, as each crab needs space to move and breathe.
Storing cooked soft shell crabs
Store cooked soft shell crabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow the crabs to cool completely before sealing the container to prevent condensation. In this way, they won’t become soggy. Reheat cooked crabs in a preheated oven, toaster oven, or air fryer until they are warmed through and crispy again.
Freezing cooked soft shell crabs
It is advisable to first freeze the crabs individually before storing them together in a bag or container. This ensures that the crabs don’t clump together and that they freeze evenly. To freeze, place the cleaned or cooked crabs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a sealed container or freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw them in the refrigerator and then use them immediately.
Storing cleaned soft shell crabs
Soft shell crabs can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure to place a layer of parchment paper between crabs if storing more than one. This prevents them from sticking together. Lay a damp paper towel over the crabs to keep the meat moist. Place the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
Identify and avoid storing dead crabs
Dead soft shell crabs can pose a risk if consumed. They should be discarded immediately. To avoid eating dead crabs, identify dead crabs by checking if their claws are drooping and if their eyes appear sunken or dull. They also have a strong odor like rotten seafood.
The price of soft shell crab varies according to different factors. Some factors include the type of crab, size, freshness, and origin.
Type of crab
The most common source of soft shell crab is the blue crab. This is the most popular soft shell crab variety and therefore has a high price. The price of soft shell crab oysters is lower than that of blue crab oysters. Soft shell crab oysters are less popular than blue crab crabs in the market.
Size
Larger crabs are more expensive than smaller crabs because they offer more meat per serving. They also tend to have a higher demand. Larger crabs tend to be harder to find, which makes them more expensive. The larger the crab, the higher the soft crab price.
Freshness
The price of live and fresh soft shell crabs is high because they offer the best flavor and texture. They also have a shorter shelf life. Softer shell crab that has been previously frozen tends to be cheaper than fresh soft shell crab because the freezing process affects its quality and texture.
Season
Soft shell crab season runs from April to September and is when soft shell crab is widely available. This makes it more affordable. Out of season, soft shell crab tends to be more expensive because it is in limited supply and the demand is still high. Hard shell crab prices tend to be lower than those of soft shell crab because they are more widely available. They also have a higher demand.
Quality of the crab
Crabs that are caught in the wild tend to be more expensive than farmed ones because they have a better flavor and texture. They are also harder to find, which increases their price. The price of soft shell crab that has been organic feed tends to be higher than that which has been fed conventional feed. This is because organic crabs have a better flavor and are harder to find.
Market demand
The prices of soft shell crabs rise when there is a high demand for them. This is often during seafood festivals or special occasions. The price of soft shell crab decreases when there is a low demand for it. Bay area crab prices drop during off seasons because demand decreases. Prices also drop by significant margins when there are economic conditions like inflation that lead buyers to choose less expensive seafood options.
Costco does not sell soft shell crabs, so the retailer’s price cannot be determined. Other retailers sell soft shell crabs at an average price of around $40 per pound.
Soft shell crabs are expensive because of their seasonal availability and the labor-intensive process of harvesting them. They are usually available for a short time between April and September. During this time, they experience high demand. This availability only increases their price further because they are available for a short time only.
The crabs are usually harvested by hand and they are from delicate, live seafood. This makes the process highly labor-intensive. It further increases the cost because the buyers have to take into consideration the high overheads of harvesting, handling, and transporting. The crab prices increase when they are shipped at a higher cost from one region to another.
Lastly, the crabs have a limited shelf life and are highly perishable. This means they have to be sold and consumed quickly. High-quality, fresh ingredients often demand a premium price, which contributes to the overall cost of soft shell crabs.
The average price of soft shell crabs is around $40 per pound. A dozen soft shell crabs usually weighs around 5 pounds. This means the average price of a dozen soft shell crabs is around $200. Prices can vary based on size, species, and market conditions.
Male soft shell crabs have a narrow and pointed flap, also known as the abdomen. On the other hand, female crabs have a wider and rounded flap that resembles an inverted triangle. The color of male and female crabs also differs. The last segment of male crabs is usually bright blue. Female crabs have orangish-red cinder blocks. Finally, the claw meat of males is denser and firmer than that of females. Q. What is the soft shell crab price at Costco?
Costco does not have a soft shell crab item at the retailer’s store, so that retailer’s price cannot be determined.
