It’s the first Friday of Lent, and across Louisiana that means one thing: seafood is in high demand!
From restaurants and church fish fries to local seafood markets, many are making sure they have the best the water has to offer. And according to seafood expert and distributor Harlan Pierce, supply is strong in several key areas.
Pierce says wild-caught catfish is plentiful right now, along with other finfish varieties.
“We’ve got great quantities of wild catfish and thin fish,” he explained. “Those are solid options for folks observing Lent.”
However, the recent freeze did impact some of Louisiana’s most beloved crustaceans.
“That cold snap put a little dent into the crabs and crawfish,” Pierce said. “And with that, prices have picked up some.”
Boiled crawfish right now is in the $7-$8 per pound range.
Still, he says there’s no need to worry. As temperatures stabilize, he expects supply to rebound.
“After this next dip in temperature, once conditions recover, our crabs and crawfish will rebound too,” he said.
In the meantime, Pierce says there’s one item seafood lovers should be especially excited about, oysters.
“This is the best time for oysters,” he said. “Make good with plenty of those.”
He adds that Lent is always an important season for Louisiana’s seafood industry and this year is no exception.
“This is a great time for the industry,” Pierce said. “Especially if people are adamant about buying local.”
As Lenten Fridays continue, Pierce encourages consumers to support local fishermen and distributors, ensuring the traditions on the table continue to support the communities that bring them to shore.