“Maine crab” is a regional description, not the name of a single species. Jonah crab and Atlantic rock crab are distinct crabs, and the market name “peekytoe” can cause confusion if it is treated as a separate species.
| Name | What it identifies | What to check when buying |
|---|---|---|
| Jonah crab | Cancer borealis | Species, meat cut, cooked status, and package weight |
| Atlantic rock crab | Cancer irroratus | The species stated by the seller |
| Peekytoe crab | A market name associated with picked Atlantic rock crab meat | Do not assume it means Jonah crab or a third species |
Browne Trading, which introduced the peekytoe name to its market, identifies its peekytoe crab as Cancer irroratus. Jonah crab is Cancer borealis. The names should not be used interchangeably on a product comparison.
Source: Browne Trading’s peekytoe identification. Reviewed September 22, 2026.
Choose the meat for the dish
Picked Maine crab meat can save work when making crab rolls, salads, or cakes. Read the listing for the type of meat included: leg meat, claw meat, and mixed meat can have different textures and piece sizes.
- Crab rolls: use a light hand with dressing so the crab remains the focus.
- Salads: fold the meat in gently and check for shell fragments.
- Crab cakes: choose a recipe that specifies cooked crab and the amount of binder.
- Warm pasta or soup: add fully cooked meat late enough to avoid a long second cooking.
Read the package before serving
Regional origin does not tell you whether a package is fresh, frozen, raw, or cooked. Follow the actual product’s storage and preparation directions, keep it refrigerated when required, and plan portions using net meat weight.
Browse the current Maine crab selection for the species and format available. Comparing those details is more useful than choosing solely by a familiar regional name.
Source: NOAA Jonah crab species profile. Reviewed September 22, 2026.
