Why BB’s Tex-Orleans Remains Confident About the Year Ahead
When winter weather rolls across the Gulf Coast, questions about crawfish season are never far behind. Will supply be affected? Will prices spike? Will the season be delayed?
According to experts and industry leaders, short cold snaps are a normal part of crawfish production and rarely have lasting consequences.
In a recent Houston Chronicle article examining the impact of a winter freeze on crawfish-producing regions, agricultural experts explained that crawfish are highly resilient. During colder temperatures, they simply slow down. Once waters warm, activity resumes and harvesting follows.
That perspective is shared by Brooks Bassler, owner of BB’s Tex-Orleans, who has spent decades working closely with crawfish farmers and suppliers.
“Crawfish are built for this,” Bassler said. “When the water cools, they slow down. They don’t move much, they don’t eat much, and harvesting pauses. Once temperatures rise, they pick right back up. That’s the natural rhythm of crawfish season.”
Experts quoted in the article echoed that assessment, noting that while freezes may temporarily reduce harvesting, producers typically recover within weeks. In most seasons, any short-term slowdown is balanced out as conditions normalize.
Bassler’s optimism for the year ahead is grounded in more than just weather patterns. A mild summer, consistent rainfall, and steady early demand all point toward a strong crawfish season.
He also addressed a question diners often ask when prices fluctuate. Crawfish pricing, Bassler explained, reflects the real costs farmers face throughout the season, including fuel, labor, bait, equipment, and ongoing maintenance.
“People sometimes assume price changes are arbitrary, but there’s a lot that goes into getting crawfish from the fields to the table,” Bassler said. “We have a lot of respect for the farmers who make this season possible.”
Key Takeaways
- Short freezes rarely end crawfish season
- Harvesting may pause briefly, then resume as temperatures rise
- Prices reflect farming and supply costs, not panic
- Strong crawfish seasons recover quickly after cold snaps
For diners looking to learn more about crawfish season, availability, and what to expect throughout the year, visit our Crawfish page for updates, insights, and seasonal highlights.
To read the full reporting and expert insights referenced above, view the original article from the Houston Chronicle here:
