Tis the Season…for Stone Crabs!
Stone Crab Season in Florida is a time to let loose, get messy, and savor the delectable claw meat. So, grab your bibs, gather your friends, and make the most of this iconic seafood season.
Ladies and gentlemen, it's that time of the year again – the one Floridians eagerly await like kids awaiting Christmas morning. Stone Crab Season 2023 is officially here, and it's time to break out the crackers, don the bibs, and embark on a seafood adventure like no other.
Before we embark on this delightful journey, let's get our claws into some Stone Crab Season essentials. The season kicks off on October 15th, and this year you've got until May 1st to enjoy this Floridian treasure. So mark your calendars and get ready to feast!
Sustainable Feast
What makes stone crab season extra special is its sustainability. Unlike other crab species, the stone crab can survive having its claws removed, if done responsibly. While the crab can survive without any claws, most believe it’s best to keep one so the crab can fight off any predators. When the claw is removed on clean breaks, the crab can stay alive and be able to regrow its claw. Therefore, harvesters need to be very careful to remove the claw properly. This "catch and release" method of harvesting claws ensures the crabs' claws grow back. It's a win-win for the environment and our taste buds.
Tools of the Trade
There's something therapeutic about cracking open a stone crab claw. It's a skill honed by years of practice – a rite of passage for Floridians and a fun challenge for visitors. It's all about finesse and strength, much like a dance between you and the crab claw. You'll need some crab-cracking essentials, like mallets, crackers, and tiny forks for that sweet, sweet claw meat. And when you finally get to that tender meat, the reward is beyond satisfying.
Filling Your Plate
So what is traditionally served with stone crabs? Some classic Sides are coleslaw, corn on the cob, and hush puppies. And let’s not forget the sauce! A good stone crab claw demands a good dip. You can choose between the tangy mustard sauce or classic melted butter, or why not both? Yum! My personal favorite is to enjoy them with a nice salad, hash browns, and plenty of mustard sauce.
Where can you get your hands on some of these delicious stone crabs?
Looking for waterfront scenery with live music and good food? Check out Billy’s Stone Crab on Tierra Verde where they’ve been serving delicious food and drinks for over fifty years. Interested in checking out a stone crab festival? Try Frenchy’s in Clearwater where they’ve been holding their Stone Crab Weekend festival with music and more since 1984. Or if you’d rather just pick up stone crabs to enjoy at home, reach out to the Tampa Bay Stone Crab Company for fresh from the trap claws. Enjoy!
Carrie Rowland is an Accredited Buyer’s Representative,® Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist,® Military Relocation Professional,® Graduate of the Realtor Institute® and a Realtor-Associate at RE/MAX Alliance Group in South Tampa
