How to Get Fresh Crabs Shipped to Your Doorstep: A Marylander's Guide

For Marylanders stranded away from home and other crab lovers, nothing compares to the sweet, succulent taste of fresh Maryland crabs. These blue crabs, harvested from the Chesapeake Bay, are renowned for their rich flavor and tender meat. 

Whether you're planning a summer crab feast, a special dinner, or just craving that authentic Maryland taste, getting fresh crabs shipped directly to your doorstep is now easier than ever. 

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of ordering fresh Maryland crabs from Waterman’s Pride, ensuring you receive the highest quality seafood no matter where you are.

Why Choose Maryland Crabs?

Maryland crabs, specifically the blue crab species (Callinectes sapidus), are a prized delicacy. Here’s why they stand out:

• Flavor: The unique mix of fresh and saltwater in the Chesapeake Bay gives these crabs a distinctive, sweet flavor that’s hard to find elsewhere.
• Quality: Maryland crabs are known for their meaty claws and ample body meat, making them perfect for crab feasts and recipes.
• Tradition: For many, enjoying Maryland crabs is more than just a meal; it’s a cherished tradition that brings people together.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Fresh Maryland Crabs Shipped

1. Choose the Right Supplier: Waterman’s Pride 

The first step in getting fresh Maryland crabs delivered to your doorstep is selecting a reputable supplier. Waterman’s Pride is a trusted source known for their high-quality seafood. They catch their own crabs daily to ensure you receive the freshest crabs available. 

Choose a True Blue Certified Crab Supplier

When you visit your favorite restaurant or seafood retailer, make sure to look for the True Blue symbol. This logo guarantees that you are enjoying authentic, local Maryland crabs, and backing our hardworking local watermen like Captain . True Blue ensures that the Maryland crab meat served on your plate has undergone rigorous quality testing, providing a reliable alternative to imported crab meat. Enjoy the best of Maryland, and support local businesses with every bite!

2. Explore Your Crab Options

Waterman’s Pride offers a variety of crab options to suit your preferences:

• Steamed Crabs: Choose pre-steamed crabs for convenience. They’re cooked to perfection and ready to eat, saving you time and effort.
• Soft-Shell Crabs: These crabs have molted their hard shell and are entirely edible, offering a different, delicate texture perfect for frying or grilling.

3. Determine Your Quantity

Crabs are often sold by the dozen or bushel. Here's a quick guide to help you decide how much to order:

• Dozen: Ideal for small gatherings or individual meals.
• Half-Bushel: Great for medium-sized parties or family dinners.
• Bushel: Perfect for large crab feasts and events (each bushel feeds approximately 10-12 people).

How many crabs are in a bushel or a half bushel?

The amount of crabs in a bushel depends on the size. The smaller the crab, the more you can fit into the bushel. The larger the crab, the less you can fit into a bushel.

Small Males	Approximately 8 dozen
Medium Males	Approximately 7 dozen
Large Males	Approximately 6 dozen
Small Females	Approximately 8-9 dozen
Medium Females	Approximately 7-8 dozen
Large Females	Approximately 6-7 dozen

Consider the size of your group and your appetite for crabs when choosing the quantity.

With or Without Seasoning?

When most people think of crab seasoning, they think of Old Bay. But Old Bay is famous mainly because of the marketing and distribution powers of the McCormick Spice Company. 

Here’s the dirty not-so-secret truth: most Maryland crab houses don’t use Old Bay. They use J. O. Spice. 

And here at Waterman’s Pride, we’ve been friends with the good folks at J. O. for decades, and they make us our very own special blend of their crab seasoning!

Understanding Crab Sizes

When ordering crabs, it’s important to understand the different sizes and the difference between male and female crabs. Here's a breakdown:

Crab Sizes

Crabs are measured by the width of their shells, point to point.

Small Males	5" - 5¾"
Medium Males	5¾" - 6¼"
Large Males	6¼" - 6¾"
Extra Large Males	6¾" - 7¼"
Jumbo Males	7¼" - 7¾"
Colossal Males	7¾" and up
Small Females	Up to 5¾"
Medium Females	5¾" - 6¼"
Large Females	6¼" - 6¾"
Jumbo Females	6¾" and up

Larger crabs typically have more meat, making them a great choice for a satisfying meal. We sometimes offer lighter “picking crabs” in-store. We’ll share more about picking crabs in an upcoming blog post.

Male vs. Female Crabs

• Male Crabs (Jimmies): Generally larger. They have a narrow, T-shaped apron on the underside.
• Female Crabs (Sooks): Smaller. They have a broader, rounded apron. Some people say they’re sweeter.

Both male and female crabs offer delicious meat, but some people have a preference based on taste and size. Some say female meat is sweeter. Most prefer male crabs, however, some favor the females. It’s a personal preference thing!

4. Place Your Order

Ordering from Waterman’s Pride is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the Website: Go to watermanspride.com and navigate to the Crabs collection.
2. Select Your Crabs: Choose between steamed or soft-shell crabs. Select the quantity and size you need. Choose with or without seasoning.
3. Add to Cart: Add your selection to the cart and proceed to checkout.
4. Provide Shipping Details: Enter your shipping address. Ensure it’s accurate to avoid any delivery issues.
5. Choose Delivery Date: Select a delivery date that works for you. It’s best to choose a date when someone will be home to receive the package. ​​There are no Sunday or Monday deliveries. 

5. Prepare for Delivery

Once you've placed your order, it's important to prepare for the delivery of your Maryland crabs:

• Delivery Timing: Waterman’s Pride typically ships crabs overnight to ensure freshness. Be sure to check the estimated delivery time and plan accordingly.
• Storage: For steamed crabs, refrigerate them immediately upon arrival.

Tips for Enjoying Your Crabs

Reheating Your Steamed Crabs

Reheat your steamed crabs gently to preserve their flavor and texture. We’ve got a whole post on that: 

How to reheat your Maryland steamed crabs

Sustainability and Supporting Local Watermen

By ordering from Waterman’s Pride, you’re not only treating yourself to delicious Maryland crabs, but you’re supporting sustainable crabbing practices and local watermen. This helps preserve the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and ensures future generations can continue to enjoy this culinary tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

When's the latest I can order for next-day delivery of steamed crabs?

Place your order by 1PM EST for next-day delivery via UPS Next Day Air. No deliveries on Sunday or Monday. Orders placed on weekends ship the following Monday. Saturday delivery may be available for an extra charge.

How are the crabs packaged for shipping?

Steamed crabs are packed in insulated containers with frozen ice packs or dry ice to keep them fresh.

What are your shipping rates?

Our rates are based on order weight and destination zip code, using discounted UPS rates. No hidden fees! We recommend delivery to a business address if no one will be home.

What if I’m not there when my crabs are delivered?

We recommend delivery to an address where someone can receive them. We're not liable for missed deliveries. Make sure gift recipients know to expect a perishable delivery.

How will I know when my crabs are being delivered?

You'll receive an email with tracking info after your order is packed and shipped.

Do you ship steamed crabs internationally?

At this time, we don’t accept orders outside of the continental USA.

Can I freeze leftover crabs?

Yes, you can freeze cooked crabs! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Now You Can Get Fresh Crabs Almost Anywhere

Getting fresh Maryland crabs shipped to your doorstep is a convenient way to enjoy this seafood delicacy no matter where you are. By choosing a reputable supplier like Waterman’s Pride, you can ensure you receive the freshest, highest-quality crabs available. 

Whether you’re a seasoned crab lover or trying them for the first time, the taste of fresh Maryland crabs is an experience not to be missed. So go ahead, place your order, and get ready for a memorable seafood feast delivered straight to your door!