How to Pick Crabs and Prepare for Recipes: A Michigan Seafood Guide

If you’ve ever picked up fresh crab from Busch’s Fresh Food Market or a local seafood counter in Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, or Livonia, you know there’s nothing quite like the sweet, delicate flavor of crab meat. The trick is learning how to crack and clean crab properly so you can enjoy every bite—without wasting a single piece of meat.

Step 1: Start with the Claws and Legs

Pull off the claws and legs first. Check the legs for meat as you go. Many seafood lovers in Michigan save the claws for last because they’re packed with sweet, tender crab meat. Still, the “lump” meat from the body is considered the most prized.

Step 2: Remove the Key

Flip the crab onto its back. You’ll notice an elongated piece of shell shaped like a “T,” often called the key. Break this off—it makes removing the rest of the shell much easier.

Step 3: Expose the Lump Meat

With the shell removed, you’ll see rib-like strips on either side of the body cavity. Pull these away, and you can break the crab in half. This exposes generous portions of white, fleshy lump crab meat—perfect for everything from butter dipping to tossing into a fresh pasta dish.

Step 4: Open the Claws

When you’re ready for the claws, break them at the joint. Use a wooden mallet to give the thicker half a strong crack and access the tender meat inside.

Choosing Sustainable Seafood in Michigan

Whether you’re preparing a crab boil at home, hosting a summer gathering, or planning a holiday seafood spread, choosing sustainable seafood is key. Look for crab that’s responsibly sourced to help protect marine ecosystems and ensure these delicacies remain available for generations to come. Sustainable sourcing practices help protect marine life. Look for certifications or information about where the crab was sourced to make an eco-conscious choice.

At Busch’s Fresh Food Market, we’re proud to offer fresh, high-quality seafood with a focus on sustainability—so you can enjoy crab and other seafood favorites with confidence.