FAQs

About Our Stone Crab Claws

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT STONE CRAB?

Stone crabs are unbelievably strong and have the ability to regrow their claws. The strength of the stone crab is simply astounding – this determined crustacean boasts a crusher claw capable of exerting an unbelievable 19,000 pounds per square inch. They can effortlessly crack through shells to feed themselves; no wonder their claws are succulent and tasty! Thanks to their regeneration superpowers, fishermen can harvest only the claws and release the stone crabs back into their aquatic habitat; an exceptional example of sustainability.

WHAT DOES STONE CRAB TASTE LIKE?

Typically served cold, stone crabs boast unique sweetness and flakiness that resembles the texture of lobster or shrimp but possessing a more robust consistency, simply incomparable to any other varieties of crab species along the coast. As stated before, stone crabs are beloved for their mildly sugary taste and make a delightful addition to any seafood dish. With many dubbing them the "king of crustaceans", Florida's Gulf Coast is renowned as the provider of some of the finest stone crab varieties found anywhere in the world.

DO PEOPLE EAT THE WHOLE STONE CRAB?

The edible portion in a stone crab is its large succulent claw, so much of your attention will be placed there when tasting. In addition delicious stone crab might be difficult to eat due to its hard-shelled exterior. Since you can't remove the shell during the cooking process, it's typically served with the protective covering intact - a daunting task for even experienced seafood lovers. Fortunately, with just a few simple steps and tricks, you'll be able to quickly prepare this delicacy so that everyone at your table enjoys an unforgettable dining experience!

ARE STONE CRABS KILLED FOR THEIR CLAWS?

The stone crab's capacity for autotomy, or dropping off its claws as a defensive mechanism and growing them back, allows to collect their succulent claws without the need of killing them. After a molt, the stone crab may come out of its old shell with bigger (and yummier) claws. Stone crabs are captured in a controlled fishery environment, just like other types of crabs. However, Florida legislation strictly prohibits the harvesting of entire stone crab organisms.

WHY ARE STONE CRAB BODIES THROWN BACK?

By releasing the stone crab body back into its habitat, fishers can ensure that the removed claws will eventually regenerate. This delicate capture and release technique allows for the continued sustainability of this species since their claws can later regrow without any complications.

ARE STONE CRABS GOOD TO EAT?

The short answer is: Yes! Stone crabs are renowned for their exquisite sweetness and unparalleled texture — a delicate combination of lobster and shrimp, yet more robust consistency than most other crab species. Enjoy the opportunity of tasting this unique delicacy with its sweet and savory flavors!

About Our Shipping

HOW'S MY STONE CRAB CLAWS PACKAGED?

Your order is carefully packaged with frozen gel packs in a reusable Styrofoam cooler then placed in a shipping box.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN MY PACKAGED STONE CRAB CLAWS ARRIVE?

When your Stone Crabs Claws arrive please take the stone crabs out of the cooler and place them in an open container in the coldest area of your refrigerator. You want to keep them as cold as possible without freezing or sitting them in ice. It’s best to put a ziploc bag of ice resting on your stone crabs, so the claws are never sitting in water. You can refreeze our high tech ice packs, if they have not been damaged or perforated. We recommend washing them first, drying and then refreezing.

We suggest proper disposal of exterior corrugated box and styrofoam cooler.

Remember your Best Stone Crabs are cooked and ready to crack and eat. Stone Crabs are traditionally served cracked and chilled accompanied by our famous Stonie Mustard Sauce. Please visit our website Beststonecrabs.com for instructiona| video on how to crack your stone crabs and other cooking recipes.

HOW FAST IS YOUR SHIPPING?

We use UPS to ship your order overnight to any address within the continental United States. Order must be placed by 12:00 noon Eastern Standard Time for same day shipping. We ship Monday through Thursday, Friday shipping is done only where Saturday delivery is available. If your Best Stone Crab package arrives damaged or spoiled due to negligence by Best Stone Crabs, we will replace or refund per your request. Be sure to keep your shipping documents and packaging to return the product.

Due to our products being perishable and for the convenience of our customers there is NO signature required when receiving your order. If you are sending Stone Crabs Claws to an address other than your own please make sure the recipient will be able to care for their package. Example: Do not send a package to someone who is out of town. We would hate to see such a delicacy go to waste.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NEXT DAY AIR AND NEXT DAY AIR SAVER

Residential Destinations: Next business day delivery by end of day

Commercial Destinations: Next business day delivery by 3:00 or 4:30 p.m. where UPS Next Day Air® delivery is committed by 10:30 a.m. or 12:00 noon, respectively

DO YOU DO SATURDAY DELIVERY?

We could do Saturday delivery for an additional charge of $22.50 that is not indicated at checkout. Stone Crabs Wholesale will contact you directly to confirm the additional charge.