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; 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 label VERY closely making sure 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.