As with the king crabs and lobsters, crawfish is yet another well-loved seafood. It’s part of the crustacean family and can be found in freshwater, going by a variety of names depending on the local area. Others pertain to crawfish as crawdads and crayfish, while others call them mountain lobsters, mudbugs, and even an endearing term called yabbies.
No matter how you wish to call it, however, crawfish remains to be a crowd favorite. They’re the star of a variety of dishes, especially since it’s undeniably delicious. But for people who haven’t had the privilege of consuming crawfish just yet, the question of nutritional value can be an open problem.
Fortunately for many, the crawfish is home to a variety of vitamins and minerals, all of which help you stay strong and healthy—even while eating tasty. Here’s everything you need to know about this sea crawler:
How is crawfish consumed and enjoyed by many?
As with various crustacean favorites, a crawfish can only be eaten partially. Simply put, you cannot consume its outer layers, and you’ll need to dig deep and peel off the hard exterior for the flesh. This portion can then be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including in soups, bisques, and even salad.
Both the tail and claw meat can be eaten and are mostly served with butter dips for the best possible dining experience. In other traditional cultures, broiled crawfish can be enjoyed with a tall glass of beer, or whatever choice of liquor.
What nutritional value can you get from eating crawfish?
1 - Protein and other macronutrients
Crawfish is rich in protein and contains trace amounts of other macronutrients, namely fat and carbohydrates. In just a 3-ounce serving of cooked crawfish, you can get around 14 grams of protein.
It’s also important to note that a 3-ounce serving of crawfish contains 70 calories and 115 grams of cholesterol, taking up 40% of a healthy person’s daily cholesterol limit of 300 milligrams. Those who suffer from heart disease or otherwise need to watch their cholesterol levels typically need to limit their cholesterol intake to 200 milligrams.
2 - Vitamins
Crawfish is also rich in vitamins. It contains a good amount of vitamin B-12, and a serving of crawfish can provide around 30 percent of your daily need for this vitamin. It also can provide 10 percent of the daily value for niacin and folate, as well as 4 percent of the daily value for vitamin B-1, B-2, and B-6. The intake of these B vitamins is necessary to keep the healthy functions of your nerve cells, blood cells, eyes, skin, and liver.
3 - Minerals
Aside from vitamins, crawfish can also provide healthy amounts of minerals such as phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and iron. These minerals are necessary to promote healthy bodily functions as well as the storage and creation of energy. They can help strengthen your bones and teeth and keep your nerves and muscles healthy.
Eating Your Heart Out: Crawfish Edition
Discovering the crawfish may come as a shock to you, especially considering how it looks. There’s no other way to put it—it looks like an insect of the ocean! However, it closely resembles a lobster, and you’ll be enjoying not only the nutritional value it provides, but the tender meat you can eat in a variety of ways. The only thing left to do now is to order one!
For the best crawfish restaurant in Houston, Texas, Crawfish Cafe has you covered. We offer you nine different flavors of crawfish, all cooked in the best possible way. We also offer you local favorites such as littleneck clams, snow crab legs, and even shrimp. Order the best crawfish meal today!