WHAT IS A CRAWFISH?

These freshwater crustaceans are known by many names including freshwater lobsters and mudbugs.  They are half the size of lobsters and is abundant in some swamps and streams.  However these rural delicacies are often misunderstood.  Much like tadpoles, crawfish are a great way to see if a local water source is polluted or not (dying quickly if so).  They are the coyotes of the marine world, and the official state crustacean of Louisiana.  While like with lobsters the meat is in the tail, true connoisseurs know to suck the head clean to get the most flavor from each one.  These spiny guys don’t have the traditional brain but rather an organ that is more like the liver used to make foie gras.

WHERE DO CRAWFISH COME FROM?

The oldest fossils found so far are over 115 million years old in modern day Australia.

WHEN IS A CRAWFISH IN SEASON?

Springtime and summer are the ideal time of year but they are available almost year-round.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CRAWFISH, CRAYFISH AND CRAWDADS?

Nothing, they are all different names for the same thing!

ARE CRAWFISH ONE OF THE DIRTY DOZEN? (MERCURY)

No they are not.  Along with other crustaceans like shrimp, clams and lobsters, crawfish are low on the food chain and safe to eat.