European crayfish

Astacus astacus is the European crayfish, also known as noble crayfish or broad-fingered crayfish. It is the most common species of crayfish in Europe, and it is only found in fresh water, in unpolluted rivers and lakes.

In Pyhäjärvi Lake, by which we live it is plentiful. This was our catch today from only three traps - close to 20 pieces of lively crayfish. It was terribly stormy and rainy, so A had a hard time rowing the boat. In the end we had to leave the remaining five traps to be checked the next day.

It is a family tradition to have a big crayfish party in the autumn - this year it will given in September, and my sister Leena will be the party organiser.

It is just odd that the more you deal with these ugly guys: from setting the traps and checking them, cooking the crayfish to having them frozen in waiting for the party - the more you start to dislike the idea of actually eating them, sigh.

This year it is Mr & Mrs H, my daughter and her husband, who are in charge of the cooking and freezing, we are just occasionally helping them with the traps, but still, I feel a bit queasy thinking about eating these harmless fellows...