Blue crabs are a popular seafood item, especially in coastal regions of the United States. There are several grades of blue crabs, with #1 and #2 being the most common designations. #1 crabs are the highest quality and largest size, while #2 crabs are slightly smaller and less meaty. While both make for tasty eating, there are some key differences between #1 and #2 blue crabs that consumers should understand.
Appearance and Size
The most noticeable difference between #1 and #2 blue crabs is their size. #1 male blue crabs, known as “jimmies,” have a shell width of at least 5 inches. #1 female crabs, called “sooks,” measure at least 6 inches across. Any blue crab larger than 5 inches for males and 6 inches for females is considered a #1.
#2 male blue crabs measure between 4-5 inches, while #2 female crabs are between 5-6 inches. So there is a clear size distinction between the two grades. #1 crabs are the biggest you can buy, while #2 crabs are slightly smaller.
There are also some subtle differences in shell markings and color. #1 crabs tend to have deeper blue shell coloring, while #2 shells may appear more faded. Additionally, #1 crabs have more pronounced spotting on their claws. But size remains the most obvious physical distinction.
| Crab Grade | Male Shell Width | Female Shell Width |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | 5+ inches | 6+ inches |
| #2 | 4-5 inches | 5-6 inches |
Meat Filling and Quality
The large size advantage of #1 crabs also translates into more meat within the shells. The bodies of #1 crabs are able to hold more meat, specifically in the coveted claw, leg, and backfin sections. An average #1 male blue crab contains about 25-30% more meat than a #2 male. For females, the difference is even greater, with #1 sooks having about 50% more meat than #2 sooks.
Because of the fuller meat content, #1 crabs deliver more succulent, sweet flavor in each bite. The additional fat and juices make for better taste and texture. The meat also has a firmer consistency on #1 versus #2 crabs. Many crab aficionados claim the meat quality itself is superior on #1 crabs, though there is no scientific difference. The sheer amount of meat is the tangible factor.
Cost Comparison
With their larger size and fuller meat content, #1 blue crabs come at a higher price point. Live #1 male crabs cost about $150-$200 per bushel. #2 males will run you around $115-$135 per bushel. For females, live #1 sooks go for $170-$220 per bushel, while #2 sooks cost $130-$170 per bushel.
Broken down by crab, expect to pay about $3-$5 for one #1 male crab and $2.50-$3.50 for a #2 male. For females, #1 sooks will be $4-$6 each and #2 sooks $3-$4 each. There are also price differences when buying picked crab meat. A pound of #1 jumbo lump crab meat can cost $25-$35, while #2 lump meat is $15-$25 per pound.
So figure on paying around a 25-50% premium for #1 crabs and crab meat versus the #2 variety. That cost difference reflects the size, meat volume, and quality variances.
Cooking and Eating
#1 and #2 blue crabs offer similar enjoyment when it comes to cooking and eating. You can use similar techniques and seasonings for preparing both grades. Simply steaming them with Old Bay seasoning is a classic preparation. Stuffing the crab shells with crab imperial also makes a flavorful dish. Sautéing soft shell crabs in butter also works excellently with both #1 and #2 crabs.
The main difference in eating comes down to the amount of meat and number of pieces you get. Each #1 crab will provide more pieces of claw, backfin, and jumbo lump meat. Expect around 30-50% more actual pieces of crab meat per #1 crustacean. This means more meaty bites of crab flavor in each dish you prepare. With #2 crabs, you may need to supplement with extra sides to fill out the meal.
One advantage for #2s is that their smaller size does make for slightly easier eating. You can sometimes polish off a whole #2 crab in just a few minutes. Larger #1 crabs take more effort and time to pick through. But the payoff of plentiful, sweet meat is worth the extra work for most crab lovers.
Availability
Both #1 and #2 blue crabs are widely available during crab harvest season, which runs approximately March through November. You can find them at local seafood markets, grocery stores, and restaurants in crabbing regions like the Chesapeake Bay, Gulf Coast, and Pacific Northwest. Availability is most abundant during the peak summer months when crabs are most active.
Supplies of jumbo #1 crabs are more limited than #2s. Their large size means it takes longer for them to mature and fewer are harvested overall. So #1 crab quantities can fluctuate more seasonally. If enjoying large #1 crabs is a priority, it pays to buy them as soon as they hit markets in early summer.
Out of season, you may still be able to find frozen #1 and #2 crab meat in many stores. But fresh picked crab is limited until the next harvest.
Pros and Cons
Weighing the pros and cons of #1 versus #2 blue crabs can help you decide which is better for your needs:
#1 Blue Crab Pros:
- Larger size
- More total meat
- Higher quality meat
- More succulent flavor
- Firm, chunky meat texture
- More pieces of backfin/jumbo lump
#1 Blue Crab Cons:
- Higher cost per crab
- More expensive per bushel or pound
- Takes longer to pick through shell
- Lower overall seasonal availability
#2 Blue Crab Pros:
- Lower cost per crab
- Cheaper per bushel or pound
- Smaller size easier to pick and eat
- Widely available in season
#2 Blue Crab Cons:
- Less total meat
- Lower meat-to-shell ratio
- Milder flavor
- May need other foods to supplement
Conclusion
For special occasions like crab boils or feasts, go for the heartier flavor and satisfaction of #1 crabs. Their unmatched size and meatiness make them the premium choice. For everyday meals, casual gatherings, or crab cakes, the cheaper price and easier eating of #2s is hard to beat. You still get tasty crab flavor at a better value.
In the end, crab lovers appreciate both #1 and #2 grades for their sweet, succulent meat. The main considerations are your budget and the quantity of meat desired per serving. Splurge on jumbo #1s when you want generous hunks of crab in their finest form. Opt for economical #2s to stretch your dollar while still enjoying tender crab meat. Either way, a crab feast is a delicious experience.
