CRAWFISH BOIL: To Purge Or Not To Purge?

Red River Radio | By Chuck Smith

Published May 26, 2017 at 10:09 AM EDT

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CRAWFISH PURGE STUDY - Photo from LSU AgCenter study on the efficacy of different "purge" methods

Credit Courtesy: LSU AgCenter

CRAWFISH PURGE STUDY -The Memorial Day weekend officially kicks off the summer season as people will be gathering for picnics, BBQ’s and other social gatherings. And in Louisiana, this is the time of year for Crawfish Boils. Now if you’ve ever spent any time around those who boil crawfish, you’ve probably heard some debate people about the practice of purging the crustaceans, the icky part of preparing the mudbugs for cooking. Some say it’s necessary, others say it doesn’t matter. Ray McClain, Professor of Aquaculture / LSU-Agcenter - Rice Research Station at Rayne, Louisiana conducted a study on crawfish purging. http://www.lsuagcenter.com/topics/livestock/aquaculture/crawfish

Ray McClain, Professor of Aquaculture LSU-AgCenter, Rice Research Center / Rayne, LACredit Courtesy: LSU AgCenter

Credit Courtesy: LSU AgCenter

COMMON SALTWATER BATH - While it can clean external debris from crawfish, the saltwater bath does little to purge the animals.

Credit Courtesy: LSU AgCenter

CRAWFISH PURGE STUDY - Researchers at LSU-AgCenter Rice Station at Rayne, LA conducted a study to compare the purging efficacy of different methods of purging crawfish.