By Carlinha Carioca (CT)
March is here and as a person that lived mostly in the north, I can’t help, but to be excited to be living in the south. My excitement to be in the south especially in march has lots to do with a special food mostly found in the southern part of the USA. Most southerner new comers like me, are amazed at first sight of these red little crustaceans mostly known as Crawfish. These small red little crustaceans look a lot like small lobsters.
Crawfish are known by a variety of different names such as crayfish, crawdads, mudbugs and freshwater lobster. Crawfish are found in fresh water and are mostly cultivated in Louisiana in the USA. If you wonder why I say in the USA it is because some types of Crawfish can be found in Australia and North America.
In true Southern style, crawfish are served boiled. Most Crawfish boils are made with lots of boil seasoning, potatoes, and corn. Some people add sausage, green beans, and mushrooms among many other things. In a crawfish boil, the food is as important as the culture and tradition. Crawfish boils are about bringing people together to celebrate life, friendship, good food, and togetherness. These styles of gatherings of food and eating are best done outdoors because it can get very messy, but the messiness is part of the enjoyment.
During the season, crawfish can be found easily in most of our area Seafood markets and supermarkets. If you intend to cook your own, they are sold by pound, live and the price can vary a lot from place to place. Crawfish need to be cleaned well before cooked which is called purging, just remembered they need to be kept alive for cooking. If cooking is not your thing many places in our area offer already cooked crawfish boil.
If you are up for a little day trip and adventure, one of many happy memories I have with crawfish was on a trip to Mississippi. On a little trip to Biloxi Mississippi, I found this small little place called Taronto’s Crawfish they describe their restaurant as “family–friendly and a no-frills spot.” What I liked about Taronto’s is that is a small, non-pretentious, simple little hole on the wall place, where one can be messy and enjoy a crawfish boil that will bring smiles to your face.
Whether you are eating locally, cooking your own, eating at a friend’s house, or making a little trip in a search for your favorite crawfish place what is important is to remember is the culture and tradition of a good crawfish boil and remember to be messy and smile. Stay safe & healthy. Until next time…