During the peak of the Dungeness crab harvest (Dec - April) fresh 'whole-cooked' crab are readily available at supermarket seafood counters and specialty seafood markets throughout the region.  Prolonged winter storms will occasionally disrupt the supply so it's a good idea to keep an eye on the weather when planning an important event or function that features fresh Dungeness. Although not as abundant, fresh cooked crab is still available during the summer months thanks to the efforts of those crabbers who fish right up to the season closure in mid-August. Availability of live crab is best during the winter and spring months. Crabs tend to be weaker during the summer 'molting' period and do not ship or travel well. Modern freezing technology has made a full compliment of frozen market forms accessible on a year 'round basis.
Retail prices typically are at their lowest during the winter months when the harvest is in full swing and crabs are being landed by the 'boat load'. As production drops off, prices at both the wholesale and retail levels tend to increase accordingly. Many supermarkets feature Dungeness crab at attractive 'ad prices' in conjunction with major winter holidays, making this an especially good time to purchase and enjoy crab.
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