Crawfish - Buy Fresh

Crawfish are sold by the pound. A standard sack typically weighs between 30 and 35 pounds. Crawfish 101 - What to Remember When Buying Live Crawfish

Look for bright, intact shells and clear, non-sunken eyes. Avoid sacks with "black water" or a foul odor. buy fresh crawfish

Purchase from local seafood markets or specialty distributors. If you aren't in a coastal region, you can order live delivery from established shippers like Louisiana Crawfish Co. or CajunCrawfish.com . Crawfish are sold by the pound

Aim for late January to June , with peak availability between Mardi Gras and May . Early-season crawfish often have more tender shells, making them easier to peel. Avoid sacks with "black water" or a foul odor

Look for "Cajun-certified" labels or those harvested from Louisiana for the most authentic quality. 2. Inspect for Freshness

Fresh crawfish should have a clean, briny, or slightly sweet scent . Reject any that smell sour, fishy, or like ammonia.

Only buy crawfish that are active and moving . Avoid those that are limp or "floppy".