When it comes to buying seafood like blue crabs, it can be hard to visualize how much a certain quantity like a “dozen” actually is in terms of weight. Knowing the approximate poundage for different amounts of crabs can be helpful when meal planning or comparing prices.
Quick Answer
On average, one dozen medium-sized blue crabs weighs approximately 2 to 3 pounds.
Calculating Crab Poundage
To estimate the weight of a dozen crabs, you’ll need to know the average size and weight of a single crab. Here are some general guidelines:
- Small blue crabs: 1.5 to 2 ounces each
- Medium blue crabs: 3 to 5 ounces each
- Large blue crabs: 6 to 8 ounces each
- Jumbo blue crabs: 8+ ounces each
Taking the middle range for medium crabs of 4 ounces each, multiply that by 12 crabs to get 48 ounces per dozen. There are 16 ounces in one pound, so 48 ounces equals 3 pounds.
So for medium-sized blue crabs bought from a market or seafood retailer, you can expect about 2 to 3 pounds per dozen crabs on average.
Factors That Impact Crab Poundage
There are a few key factors that can cause the poundage for a dozen crabs to vary:
Crab Size
As shown above, larger crabs will weigh more each. Jumbo crabs could be a pound or more each. Smaller crabs weigh less per individual.
Meat Content
Male crabs, or “jimmies”, tend to have more meat content than females. A dozen heavy male crabs may contain a bit more edible meat than an equivalent number of females.
Processing Method
Crabs sold live and whole will include the shell weight, resulting in higher poundage than crabs that are cleaned and sold as lump or backfin meat.
Seasonal Variations
Crabs fluctuate in size and meat content based on the time of year. They tend to be heavier in late summer and fall after a full season of feeding and growth.
Typical Serving Size Per Crab
If you want to estimate how many people a dozen crabs will feed, you’ll need to know the typical edible meat yield per crab. Here is a general reference:
- Small crab: 1.5 to 2 ounces meat
- Medium crab: 2 to 3.5 ounces meat
- Large crab: 3.5 to 5 ounces meat
- Jumbo crab: 5+ ounces meat
The recommended serving size for crab is generally 4 to 6 ounces. With that in mind, here is how many people a dozen crabs will serve on average:
- Small crabs: 6 to 8 servings
- Medium crabs: 4 to 6 servings
- Large crabs: 3 to 4 servings
- Jumbo crabs: 2 to 3 servings
Pricing Per Pound for Blue Crabs
Knowing the typical weight of a dozen crabs makes it easier to calculate pricing and value when shopping. Here are some general price ranges you can expect to pay per pound:
| Type | Price Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Live blue crabs | $3 – $8 |
| Lump crab meat | $15 – $30 |
| Backfin crab meat | $12 – $18 |
| Claw crab meat | $8 – $12 |
Keep in mind that prices can vary a lot depending on your location, the distributor, and the crab supply that season. Many factors impact the commercial blue crab harvest each year.
Weights for Other Crab Quantities
Here is a quick reference guide if you need to determine the weight for other amounts of crabs beyond just a dozen:
| # of Crabs | Approximate Weight |
|---|---|
| 6 crabs | 1 to 1.5 lbs |
| 12 crabs | 2 to 3 lbs |
| 18 crabs | 3 to 4.5 lbs |
| 24 crabs | 4 to 6 lbs |
| 36 crabs | 6 to 9 lbs |
| 48 crabs | 8 to 12 lbs |
This is based on medium-sized blue crabs. You’ll find slight variations based on crab size. If purchasing large quantities, it’s always smart to request an approximate weight from the fishmonger or seafood market.
Tips for Cooking and Eating a Dozen Crabs
Preparing a full dozen crabs at home takes some work, but the rewarding feast is worth it for any seafood lover. Here are some useful tips for handling and eating that many crabs:
Choose Your Crabs Wisely
Select crabs that feel heavy for their size and are lively, ensuring quality and freshness. Avoid any with cracked shells or an unpleasant odor.
Steam Them Properly
Steaming is usually the preferred cooking method. Bring 1 inch of water seasoned with Old Bay or crab seasoning to a boil. Place a wire rack over the pot and arrange the crabs top-side down. Cover and steam for about 20 minutes.
Set Up a Spread
For easy eating, lay out crab crackers, small mallets, picks, and empty bowls for shelling at the table. Provide dipping sauces like melted butter, lemon aioli, or cocktail sauce.
Use Proper Cracking Technique
Twist and break off the legs, then crack the body and claws carefully to access the sweet meat inside. Take care not to shatter the shells and lose any meat.
Don’t Forget the Backs
Don’t miss out on the delicious crab fat and meat hiding in the top shell. Use a picker or knife to scrape it out once you’ve removed the front claws and apron.
Discard the Gills and Intestines
The gills or “dead man’s fingers” on the underside of the crab along with the intestinal sac don’t taste good, so remove and discard them before eating the body meat.
Savor the Experience
Take your time picking through a dozen crabs. The joy is as much in the pursuit as in the delicious meat itself. Share fun conversation, cold drinks, and great memories around your crab feast.
Storing Leftover Crab Meat
If you have uneaten crab leftover, it will last up to 3 days stored properly in the refrigerator. Here are some storage tips:
- Pick all usable meat out of the shells
- Place meat in an airtight container
- Completely cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface
- Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator
You can use leftover crab meat for dishes like crab cakes, crab dip, pasta, omelets, or sandwiches. It also freezes well for longer term storage. Simply pack into freezer bags or containers leaving no air pockets.
Conclusion
When preparing for a crab feast, keep in mind that a dozen medium-sized blue crabs generally weighs 2 to 3 pounds. Adjust your purchasing and recipes accordingly based on crab size. Proper steaming, cracking, and picking technique will help you get the most meat out of your crabs. Store leftovers promptly in the refrigerator or freezer. With some preparation and patience, a dozen fresh crabs cooked at home can provide an amazing culinary experience.