Crawfish boils are a way of life, especially if you’re anywhere near Louisiana. If you’re planning one, you’ve probably wondered: just how many pounds are in a sack of crawfish?
While the answer can vary a little depending on the supplier, there’s a pretty standard weight you can expect.
The Standard Weight of a Crawfish Sack
If you’re buying crawfish, you’ll typically find them sold in sacks weighing around 30 pounds. Many vendors sell them in bundles of two sacks, so you’d end up with about 60 pounds total.
These sacks are often called “field run,” meaning the crawfish are fresh from the harvest.
Keep in mind that while 30 pounds is the standard, there can be slight differences in weight depending on the vendor and the specific batch of crawfish you’re buying. It’s always a good idea to double-check, but you can generally expect a sack to be right around that 30-pound mark.
Factors affecting crawfish sack weight and pricing
When you’re buying crawfish, a few things can affect the final weight and price.
Actual vs. estimated weight
Crawfish are typically priced by the pound. The price you see when you’re shopping may be an estimate. The final price will be based on the actual weight of the crawfish when they’re packed up and shipped to you.
Dead-loss considerations
“Dead-loss” means some of the crawfish may die during shipping, especially in warmer months. It’s normal to expect a few pounds of dead crawfish in each sack. The amount of dead-loss you might see can range from 2 to 5 pounds per sack, depending on the time of year and how long the crawfish are in transit.
Shipping and Handling Considerations
If you can’t get crawfish locally, you can order them online. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Crawfish are often shipped via FedEx Priority Next Day.
- Some states prohibit or restrict live crawfish shipments, so check before ordering.
- When your crawfish arrive, rinse them immediately and store them in a cooler on top of ice.
- Don’t forget to purge your crawfish before boiling them. This is an important step!
In Closing
As you’re planning your crawfish boil, remember that a sack of crawfish typically weighs around 30 pounds. But be aware that some crawfish will die in transit, and there can be slight variations in weight.
Always check with your vendor for the most accurate information about weight and pricing.