Maryland Blue Crabs

Maryland Blue Crabs

Explore Maryland blue crabs in every format: steamed male and female hard shells, soft shells, jumbo lump crab cakes, fresh crab meat and Obrycki’s seasoned crabs.

Choose the Blue Crab Format That Fits the Meal

Whole hard-shell crabs create the classic paper-covered picking table. Male and female grades let experienced crab eaters choose the size, body style and flavor they prefer. Soft-shell crabs are eaten shell and all after molting, while crab cakes and picked crab meat bring blue-crab flavor to meals that do not revolve around cracking shells. Obrycki’s crabs keep the whole-crab experience but change the seasoning profile.

Understand Size, Sex and Season

Blue crabs are measured across the top shell from point to point. Male crabs, often called jimmies, and female crabs, often called sooks, are sold separately in several grades. Maryland’s commercial season runs from April 1 through December 15, while availability outside the local season can involve responsibly sourced blue crabs from other coastal fisheries. Product pages remain the source for the current origin, grade and quantity.

Plan a Maryland Crab Order

For whole crabs, plan around the number of diners, their picking experience, crab size and the rest of the menu. Larger crabs provide fewer but more substantial shells; smaller grades can create a longer, higher-count feast. Check whether paper, mallets or seasoning are included before adding accessories. For crab cakes or meat, compare individual portion weight and total package quantity instead of relying on the package name alone.

Delivery, Storage and Preparation

Review the chosen arrival date and make room in the refrigerator or freezer before delivery. FDA guidance recommends keeping seafood cold, separating raw seafood from ready-to-eat food and following the package directions for thawing and cooking. Steamed crabs and prepared products need different reheating steps, so use the instructions for the exact item rather than applying one method to the entire collection.

Shop Relevant Products

• Steamed Maryland Blue Crabs - Jumbo Males (6½–7 in)
• Steamed Maryland Blue Crabs - Large Females (6+ in)
• Maryland Soft Shell Crabs - Jumbo (5–5½ in)
• Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes (5+ oz)
• Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Meat
• Obrycki's Crab Seasoning

Questions Before You Order

• What is the difference between hard and soft crabs? Hard crabs have a fully formed shell for picking; soft crabs have recently molted and their tender shell is edible.
• Should I choose male or female crabs? Choose by the available grade, flavor preference and eating style; each dedicated collection explains its current sizes.
• Are all accessories included? Only when the individual product page lists paper, mallets or seasoning as part of the package.

Explore Related Categories

• Soft-Shell Crabs
• Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes
• Fresh Crab Meat
• Obrycki’s Crabs