Where To Buy: Raw Crawfish

: If you are in a major city, look for seafood wholesalers that typically supply restaurants; many have a "retail window" open to the public on Saturday mornings. 3. Timing and Quality Tips

If you want to avoid shipping costs, look for these specific types of retailers:

: Never eat crawfish raw. Unlike some other shellfish, raw crawfish can carry parasites like Paragonimus , which causes serious lung infections. where to buy raw crawfish

: Owned by the Fruge family in Branch, Louisiana. They are highly regarded for shipping directly from their own farms, ensuring the crawfish aren't sitting in a middleman's warehouse.

: Chains like H-Mart , 99 Ranch Market , or Dragon Star Market frequently stock live crawfish during peak season, often at lower prices than boutique seafood shops. : If you are in a major city,

: The best time to buy is late February through May . While season can run from November to July, early-season crawfish are often small and have hard shells.

For a traditional "boil" experience outside of the Gulf Coast, these companies are the industry standards. They ship live crawfish overnight in insulated crates with gel packs. Unlike some other shellfish, raw crawfish can carry

: Large regional chains like Publix or Kroger often carry live crawfish in their seafood departments, but you may need to call 24–48 hours in advance to reserve a sack.