Spend Your Valentine’s Weekend With Cheaper Crawfish as Prices Drop Around Louisiana
LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - You could spend a romantic Valentine's weekend over a giant pile of boiled crawfish if you play your cards right, especially now that the price has dropped again.
The price of crawfish saw a major drop this week, according to The Crawfish App, which tracks local crawfish eateries in your area. In all, the app tracks nearly 700 vendors across the region, and they regularly provide updates on price trends.
How Much Are Crawfish Right Now?
According to The Crawfish App's Instagram page, the price has one again come down.
If the average is now down half a dollar from where it was last week.
“This mild weather kept the crawfish moving, eating, and growing in the ponds making them easier to catch,” Co-Founder of The Crawfish App Laney King told KLFY in Lafayette. “That increased supply pushed the price down a little more this week just in time for those of us who want to share Valentine’s dinner over a platter of boiled crawfish.”
Last week, the average price for live crawfish was $4.79 per pound. This week, it's $4.29. For boiled crawfish, it's a bit higher at $6.80 - down from over $7 per pound last week.
Why Are Crawfish Usually Expensive?
It's really a supply and demand issue. Because crawfish are seasonal and are dependent on weather conditions in the breeding season, there are times when the supply is low. 2024 is was a year of short supply and high prices.
But conditions looked to be much more favorable as we rolled into 2025.
READ MORE: Louisiana Experts Predict Early Start and Strong Harvest
The good news for Louisiana is that with favorable conditions coming into crawfish season, we aren't looking at the insane prices we saw last year. That's not to say it's cheap, but it is a lot less expensive than it was last year.
How Louisiana Residents Can Prepare for Crawfish Season
If you’re already daydreaming about your first crawfish boil of the season, now is the perfect time to start preparing. From finding the best prices to making sure you have the right equipment, here are some tips to ensure you’re ready to make the most of crawfish season in Louisiana:
1. Know Where to Find the Best Crawfish Prices
Crawfish prices can vary widely depending on the time of the season, the size of the crawfish, and where you’re buying them. Early in the season, prices are typically higher because supply is limited, but they tend to drop as availability increases in late spring.
- Pro Tip: Follow local seafood markets, crawfish farms, and restaurants on social media to stay updated on daily prices and availability. Many businesses, like Tony’s Seafood in Baton Rouge, post their prices online.
- Farm-to-Table Options: For the freshest crawfish, consider buying directly from a local crawfish farmer. Websites like CrawfishApp or local Facebook groups are great resources for finding farms near you.
2. Invest in the Right Crawfish Boil Equipment
A traditional Louisiana crawfish boil isn’t just about the crawfish—it’s about the experience. Whether you’re hosting your first boil or upgrading your setup, having the right tools is essential.
- Crawfish Boiler and Pot: Look for a pot large enough to hold several pounds of crawfish (most standard pots are 80–100 quarts). Don’t forget a propane burner to heat it. Brands like Bayou Classic are a popular choice among Louisianans.
- Strainer Basket: A strainer basket makes it easy to lift the cooked crawfish out of the pot.
- Outdoor Table or Tray: Crawfish boils are all about communal eating. Many people use large folding tables covered with newspaper or specialized crawfish trays to serve their spread.
- Tip: Make a checklist of what you’ll need, and consider shopping local. Stores like Louisiana Crawfish Co. offer boil kits and supplies that can be shipped to your door.
3. Stock Up on Seasonings and Sides
No crawfish boil is complete without the bold, spicy flavors that Louisiana is famous for. Crawfish seasoning blends like Zatarain’s or Louisiana Fish Fry are staples, but many people love adding their own twist by including garlic, lemons, onions, and other aromatics.
Don’t forget to include traditional sides like corn, potatoes, and sausage. And if you want to mix things up, try experimenting with mushrooms, asparagus, or even pineapple for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Pro Tip: Shop in bulk at local stores like Rouses Markets or Albertsons for seasonings and sides—they often offer discounts during crawfish season.
4. Brush Up on Your Crawfish Boil Techniques
If you’re a first-timer or just looking to up your game, now’s the time to learn the basics of boiling crawfish. There are plenty of tutorials online, and many local seafood markets offer advice on cooking techniques.
- Expert Advice: Check out crawfish boil recipes and tutorials from trusted Louisiana-based chefs, such as Chef John Folse or crawfish boil videos on YouTube from local experts.
