Tuesday, 10 June 2014

Learn To Enjoy Delicious, Nutritious Crawfish

Louisiana has many traditions influenced by different cultures. Southern Louisiana, and New Orleans in particular, were influenced by French settlers. The influence can be seen in delicious creole cooking. Further, slaves left an African imprint on the area and its cuisine. Additionally, the Acadian influence is strong in the southern part of the state. The Acadians came to the area from Canada, and are known today as Cajuns.

Cajun people incorporated their rustic French cooking with local ingredients. They learned to cook rice, crawfish and sugar cane. There wasn't a lot of money so rice was a staple. They added protein in the form of game or crawfish. A traditional Cajun cook uses three pots--one dedicated to the main dish, one for rice and the third for a vegetable. Cooks enhanced the buy live crawfish food's flavor with the "holy trinity," finely diced bell pepper, onion and celery.

Crawfish are a favorite food item in Cajun country and throughout Louisiana. In fact, former Louisiana residents spread the love of crawfish all over the states. Crawfish are freshwater crustaceans that are rich in protein. In addition, they contain many vital nutrients, including:
biotin
calcium
iron
niacin
Vitamin A
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-12
Selenium

Two varieties are sold commercially, red swamp crawfish and white river crawfish. The USDA has a mandatory country of origin labeling program, and the industry wants people to buy Louisiana crawfish. Many stores try to sneak in Chinese crawfish and there are health risks involved. Antibiotics banned in the U.S. have been found in imported Chinese crawfish. Consumers can be on the safe side by ordering Cajun Grocer select crawfish. Buy select crawfish online if you want that taste of Louisiana. Crawfish sales have been a major part of the economy in Louisiana since the late 1800's. The state started crawfish farming in the 1960's. Now, it is the largest freshwater crustacean aquaculture industry in the country. Crawfish farming is a three-million dollar a year industry, employing more than seven thousand people.

Luckily, foodies from all over can get select crawfish shipped to their homes. People say crawfish tastes a little like lobster, but are chewier than shrimp. A crawfish boil is one of the favorite ways to eat the crustacean. They're cooked outside in big pots along with corn, potatoes, sausages and a variety of spices. Crawfish etouffee and crawfish bisque are other popular recipes. Cook these Cajun delicacies and enjoy some Louisiana culture.