Holly's Healthy Cooking Blog

When is Louisiana Crawfish Season?

Louisiana Crawfish Season – we all look so forward to it!!! Crawdaddy, mudbug, crayfish, – however you name them – they are a staple in delicious Southern dishes. That’s why I am so excited and honored to be named the new spokesperson for the Louisiana Crawfish and Promotions Board! Though the  season is from late February to mid-May; I stock up on tails so now to keep in my freezer to enjoy in crawfish recipes like my Louisiana Crawfish Cakes from my Gulf Coast Favorites Cookbook:  30 Minute Recipes from my LOUISIANA KITCHEN all year long!

Louisiana Crawfish Season Facts

• Louisiana accounts for 90 – 95 percent of the total U.S. production yearly.
• In Louisiana, most crawfish is harvested between December- June with the peak season being March – May.
• When it comes to crawfish – always ask before you eat!
  • COOL is the USDA’s mandatory country of origin labeling program.
  • Read the label VERY closely making sure the country of origin is USA and not just ‘Distributed” in the USA.
  • Often Chinese crawfish is labeled with Cajun sounding names; however under the USDA COOL program, these crawfish must be clearly labeled Product of China.
  • Ask before you eat! By choosing only Louisiana crawfish, not only are you supporting US agriculture but you are also buying a healthier food. Chinese crawfish may contain certain banned antibiotics strictly tested for in the US but not in China.
  • Crawfish averages 15% yield meat per pound; therefore it takes 6 – 7 pounds of live crawfish to get 1 pound of peeled tails.

My Favorite Crawfish Recipes During Louisiana Crawfish Season and All Year!

• For meal reference: plan on 3-4 pounds of live crawfish per person per meal or 1 pound of tails per 3 people like in my trim and terrific Louisiana Crawfish Fettuccine from Gulf Coast Favorites cookbook.
• Crawfish are a great source of protein, as well as low in calories, fat, saturated fat and a good source of vitamins – including biotin, calcium, iron, niacin, phosphorus, selenium, Vitamins A, B-6, and B-12.
• After washing the fat content from crawfish tail meat, they only contain about 1% of the RDA or Recommended Daily Allowance.
• During their molting process crawfish can regenerate lost limbs and claws.

If you  like my easy, version of  Crawfish Etouffee  recipe which is also diabetic, then you can find more recipes and

Louisiana southern recipes in my Gulf Coast Favorites cookbook.  If you’re a Cajun, Creole Louisiana fan and want healthier options for all your favorites, you can also get an autographed cookbook from my website with discount code GULF25 for 25% off!

The Healthy Cooking Blog | Louisiana Crawfish Season and My Easy Crawfish Recipes | HollyClegg.com