The blue crab is prevalent in the coastal waters of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Commercial anglers catch large quantities of the crustaceans in traps that are sold to consumers, seafood markets, and restaurants. Commercial fisherman are not the only people who target blue crab. The crustacean is sought after by recreational anglers by traps, drop nets, and handlines. Here is what you need to know about a bushel of crabs.

What Is A Bushel Basket

A crab bushel basket is similar to a bucket but is constructed of thin wood sheets. The wood slats are interwoven to form the basket. 

If you’re wondering what is a bushel of crabs, a bushel measures just over nine gallons in holding capacity, and when crabbing is used to fill to the top and sold. The fisher and seafood market determine how much is a bushel of crabs.

The benefit to storing crabs in bushels is that the wood slats absorb saltwater. Saltwater-soaked bushels aid in keeping the crabs moist to prevent them from drying and dying. Discard dead crabs to avoid becoming sick. A dead crab is no longer safe to eat unless they are killed moments before cooking. 

While fishing for crabs, cover the bushel with a wet burlap sack. The wet burlap assists in preventing the crabs from succumbing to the heat and dying. 

Where Do You Buy Bushels Of Crabs

A bushel of crab is available for purchase on the internet or at seafood markets. Crabs are caught year-round in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina; therefore, the seafood suppliers are continuously stocked with fresh catch. 

Seafood Markets

Be aware that it is unlikely that seafood markets well inland of the coast will stock live crab bushel baskets. Live blue crabs are predominantly found in seafood markets along the coast because they are delivered fresh by fisherman. 

To find a seafood market in your vicinity, search the internet for seafood market near me. The screen displays a complete list of seafood stores. Ensure to call and inquire if live blue crabs are in stock before jumping in the car and heading off. 

Online Blue Crab Suppliers

Those who are located inland need not worry. Live blue crabs are available for purchase online and are delivered fresh to your home. We recommend buying live crabs from The Crab Place. The online shop offers a wide range of selections, including quantities—select crabs by the dozen, half bushel of crabs, or whole bushel.

The Crab Place delivers the crabs to the steps of your front door within one to three days. Remember to plan ahead of time when ordering online for parties and family gatherings. 

How Much Does A Bushel Of Crabs Cost

Whether it be crabs or other seafood, costs are high due to commercial fishermen’s efforts and equipment to harvest fish or crustaceans. 

When purchasing a complete bushel of live blue crabs expect to pay between $230 and $350. Remember, the size of the crab impacts the cost. The price is affected by the amount of meat each crab yields; therefore, rates for giant blue crabs are more pricy. 

While a bushel sounds like a substantial amount of seafood, each person consumes numerous crabs in one sitting. If you’re wondering how many dozen crabs in a bushel medium sized crabs account for roughly 6.5 dozen and large crabs roughly 5.5 dozen. Make sure to add sides to coincide with the pot of hot steamed crabs. 

What Do You Do With A Bushel Of Crabs

When it comes to preparing your fresh bushel of blue crabs, we recommend steaming the crustaceans. 

A two-part steamer pot makes the task simple while injecting flavor into the sweet white meat. Two-part steamers consist of a pot, a basket that rests in the pot above the water, and a lid. 

Add one to two inches of water to the bottom of the pot in addition to vinegar and a can of beer. Allow the water to boil, drop the crabs in the basket, season with Old Bay, and steam for ten to fifteen minutes or until the crab turns red. 

Once the bushel crabs are cooked, transfer the crustaceans to a serving dish. Cover the table with newspaper and provide mallets to crack the shells and claws. Lastly, cut lemons for squeezing and warm butter for dipping. 

How Many People Does A Bushel Of Crabs Feed

When it comes to quantity, expect each person to consume between nine and twelve crabs. A whole bushel of crabs serves up to seven people. When your guest count exceeds seven, consider ordering a second bushel. Avoid running short on crabs and leaving your friends and family hungry. 

Pair the crustaceans with steamed corn and potatoes. Fortunately, the entire meal is cooked in one pot. 

Now You Know The Ins And Outs Of A Bushel Of Crabs

Purchasing bushels of crabs is made easy by visiting seafood markets or shopping online. In combination with the fun of cracking cooked crabs, the sweet-flavored meat is hard to pass up. Either purchase or catch a bushel of crabs but remember to buy a saltwater fishing license.