Crawfish Fat We've Been Eating Isn’t Actually Fat

LOUISIANA (KMDL-FM) - When it comes to crawfish boils in Lousiana, you know the ritual...peel the tail, pinch, and don’t forget to “suck the head.”

That rich, yellow-orange substance inside? Most of us have always called it crawfish fat.

But here’s the twist: it’s not actually fat at all.

TSM Employee Photo

What Is “Crawfish Fat” Really?

That creamy, flavorful substance found inside a crawfish head is commonly referred to as “fat,” but science says otherwise. According to experts with the LSU AgCenter, what we’re eating is actually an internal organ called the hepatopancreas.

This hepatopancreas organ functions similarly to a liver in humans, playing a major role in food digestion while also filtering out unwanted substances in the crawfish’s body.

So technically, that “fat” is more like crawfish liver.

Get our free mobile app

Why It Tastes So Good

Even though it’s not true fat, the crawfish hepatopancreas is packed with flavor. It absorbs all the spices from the boil like the cayenne, garlic, and seasoning blends, creating that rich, buttery, slightly salty taste Louisiana crawfish lovers crave.

Carly Mackler via Unsplash.com

Is There Any Actual Fat in It?

Here’s the good news: it’s not entirely misleading to call it crawfish “fat.” The hepatopancreas does actually contain fat, about 30% fat content, according to the LSU AgCenter.

Are Crawfish Healthy to Eat?

Not only are crawfish delicious, but crawfish are a pretty healthy choice because they're high in protein, low in calories, low in total fat and saturated fat, and packed with vitamins and minerals.

Whether you call it fat, butter, or liver, sucking the head on a crawfish will always be a huge part of our culture and flavor of a Louisiana crawfish boil.