How long can I keep crabs alive?Updated 10 days ago

To ensure the best quality and safety, crabs should be cooked immediately upon arrival.

If immediate cooking is not possible, you may be able to maintain viability for a few hours by following these short-term storage guidelines:

• Container: Place the crabs in an open, well-ventilated container (e.g., a cooler with the drain plug removed).

• Cooling: Keep the container in a cool environment, ideally between 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use frozen gel packs to maintain this temperature.

• Moisture: Cover the crabs with damp newspaper or a damp towel to keep them moist.

Crucial Storage Notes:

• Do not submerge crabs in water. They will use up the oxygen and drown.

• Do not place crabs directly on ice. The freshwater from the melting ice will kill them.

• Note: This short-term storage method is not guaranteed to keep all crabs alive. Always cook only the crabs that are still viable (moving) right before preparing.