A bushel of crabs typically costs $180-$350, depending on season, size, and market demand.
A bushel of crabs (usually 6-7 dozen medium to large crabs) varies in price due to factors like harvest time, crab size, and availability. Peak season (late spring to early fall) often yields lower prices, while off-season or holiday demand can drive costs up. Prices may also differ between steamed, live, or pre-cooked options.
Factors Affecting Crab Bushel Prices
- Seasonality: Cheaper in summer (peak harvest), expensive in winter (limited supply).
- Crab Size:
- Medium (5-6" wide): $180-$250/bushel
- Large (6-7" wide): $250-$350/bushel
- Jumbo (7"+ wide): $300-$450/bushel (often sold per dozen)
- Preparation: Live crabs cost less than steamed or seasoned crabs.
- Market Demand: Holidays (e.g., Fourth of July, Labor Day) increase prices.
- Gender: Male "jimmy" crabs are pricier than female "sook" crabs (less meat yield).
Price Comparison by Bushel Type
| Crab Type | Size Range | Price per Bushel | Best Time to Buy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live Medium Crabs | 5-6" wide | $180-$230 | June-September | Requires cooking; lowest price point. |
| Steamed Large Crabs | 6-7" wide | $250-$320 | July-August | Ready-to-eat; includes seasoning (e.g., Old Bay). |
| Jumbo Male Crabs | 7"+ wide | $300-$450 | May-October | Sold per dozen or half-bushel; premium meat yield. |
| Female "Sook" Crabs | 5-6" wide | $150-$200 | Spring/Fall | Less meat; often used for crab cakes or soups. |
Where to Buy and What to Expect
- Waterfront Markets: Best for fresh, live crabs (negotiate bulk discounts).
- Seafood Retailers: Convenient but may charge 10-20% more for steamed/seasoned crabs.
- Online Ordering: Higher shipping costs; ideal for non-local buyers (expect $20-$50 extra).
- Wholesale Dealers: Requires minimum purchase (e.g., 5+ bushels); lower per-bushel cost.
Cost-Saving Tips
- Buy in Bulk: Purchasing 2+ bushels often reduces the per-bushel price by $10-$30.
- Off-Peak Purchases: Avoid holidays/weekends; weekdays in late summer offer better deals.
- Choose Smaller Sizes: Medium crabs provide good value for meat-to-price ratio.
- DIY Steaming: Buy live crabs and steam them yourself to save $20-$50 per bushel.
- Check for "Seconds": Some sellers offer discounted crabs with minor shell damage (same taste).
What's Included in a Bushel?
- Quantity: ~6-7 dozen crabs (72-84 crabs, depending on size).
- Weight: 30-40 lbs total (including shells).
- Meat Yield: ~12-15 lbs of edible meat per bushel (varies by size/gender).
- Extras: Some sellers include ice packs, seasoning, or cracking tools for free.