A Complete Guide to Buying, Shipping, and Savoring Florida Stone Crab Claws
Florida stone crab claws are more than just a delicacy—they’re a seasonal celebration of flavor, sustainability, and coastal tradition. With their sweet, tender meat and eco-conscious harvesting process, stone crabs have become one of Florida’s most iconic seafood offerings. Whether you’re ordering for a special occasion or sending a gourmet gift, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to buy, ship, and serve stone crab claws like a pro.
When Is Stone Crab Season?
Stone crab season in Florida runs from October 15 to May 1. During this time, claws are freshly harvested and immediately packed for sale. Outside of the season, all claws available for purchase are “refreshed” — frozen at peak freshness and thawed before shipping. Learn more from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Buying Florida Stone Crab Claws
Fresh vs. Frozen
Fresh claws deliver the ideal texture and natural sweetness stone crab is known for. If you can receive next-day shipping, fresh is always best. However, high-quality frozen claws are flash-frozen shortly after harvest to preserve flavor, making them a reliable alternative if you’re ordering from afar or buying during the off-season.
Stone Crab Sizing Guide
Claws come in four standard sizes:
- Medium (5–8 claws per lb) – Sweet and ideal for light bites or appetizers.
- Large (3–5 per lb) – Balanced in meat and price, great for dinner platters.
- Jumbo (2–3 per lb) – Impressive in size, packed with sweet meat.
- Colossal (1–2 per lb) – A show-stopper, perfect for special occasions.
Larger claws contain more meat per pound but come with a higher price tag. Medium and large claws are excellent for casual meals and party trays.
Where to Buy Stone Crab
Always purchase from trusted sources like Frenchy’s Stone Crab & Seafood Market, where sustainability and freshness are guaranteed. Responsible sellers follow Florida regulations, harvesting only one claw per crab and returning the crab to the water to regenerate. If your feeling overwhelmed, you could also try our Stone Crab Dinner For Two or Three. These meals include everything you would need for a fine dining experience, including; stone crab claws, mustard sauce, and even a crab mallet for cracking them open!
Shipping & Storage
How Stone Crab Claws Are Shipped
Claws are typically shipped overnight in temperature-controlled containers. During peak season, fresh claws are packed on ice; frozen claws are shipped on dry ice. Proper packaging ensures that the product maintains top quality upon arrival.
What to Expect Upon Delivery
- Fresh claws: Store in the fridge and enjoy within 1–2 days.
- Frozen claws: Keep in the freezer; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Inspect the packaging and meat upon arrival. If claws feel overly soft or appear broken, contact your supplier immediately.
How to Crack & Serve Stone Crab Claws
Cracking Tips
Use a wooden crab mallet or the back of a spoon to tap around the shell. Be gentle — the goal is to crack, not crush. Remove shell fragments carefully to preserve the meat.
Serving Ideas
Stone crab claws are traditionally served cold, often with mustard dipping sauce, lemon wedges, or clarified butter. For a warm option, lightly steam claws and season to taste. Great pairings include:
- Coconut or jasmine rice
- Garlic-roasted asparagus
- Citrus avocado salad
- She-crab soup or seafood gumbo
Final Thoughts
Ordering stone crab claws online has never been easier. Whether you’re a seasoned crab lover or trying them for the first time, knowing how to select, store, and savor them ensures a premium experience. For the freshest claws shipped straight from Clearwater, FL, trust Frenchy’s Stone Crab & Seafood Market to deliver the taste of Florida to your doorstep.
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