Louisiana Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and Zatarain's Host Official Pardoning of Emile the Crawfish

Lucky crustacean reprieved from the boiling pot as crawfish season ramps up in the Gulf South

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Mar 07, 2017, 16:36 ET

NEW ORLEANS, March 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- After Mardi Gras, crawfish is King! Today, one week after Fat Tuesday, a lucky crustacean escaped the boiling pot when Louisiana Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and Zatarain's paired up for the first-ever "Pardoning of the Crawfish" event in New Orleans.

Claude Davis of Zatarain's transfers Emile the Crawfish to a temporary habitat for the first-ever Pardoning of the Crawfish as Louisiana Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser looks on.

The crawfish of honor was dubbed Emile after the founder of Zatarain's who first introduced boil mixes in the 1920s. After the reprieve, Emile was released in Bayou Segnette State Park by Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries to live out his days burrowing in the mud, foraging for food and determining which nomenclature he prefers, "crawfish", "crayfish" or "mudbug."

Local fisherman Mayor Sherbin Collette of Henderson, Louisiana, caught the crawfish which was selected to be spared from the boiling pot by the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board. Emile was then transported to the Old U.S. Mint in New Orleans to receive his official pardon from Nungesser.

"With Louisiana crawfish representing more than 90% of the domestic U.S. crawfish supply, we felt it important to grant Emile his freedom before people around the country dig into their favorite crawfish dish or boil party. Emile is sure to enjoy his freedom in our beautiful State Park along Bayou Segnette," said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.

"We're expecting an abundant season this year and we're working around the clock to meet demand for boil seasonings," said Claude Davis, Zatarain's Principal Product Developer and Brand Ambassador. "Last year we provided enough boil products to flavor 151 million pounds of crawfish."

About Zatarain's
Since 1889, Zatarain's has been the authority on the fun and flavor of New Orleans. From its humble beginnings producing root beer extract, the company has grown to make more than 200 food products from Rice Dinner and Side Dish Mixes, Frozen Entrees, Pasta Mixes, Breadings, Seasonings and Spices to Seafood Boils, Creole Mustard and other products based on authentic New Orleans–Style recipes and seafood preparation. Now, people across the U.S. recognize that to capture the true flavor of New Orleans cuisine, you have to "Jazz It Up with Zatarain's." For information, recipes and Zatarain's online store, visit www.zatarains.com.

Zatarain's is one of McCormick & Company's (MKC) portfolio brands. As a global leader in flavor, McCormick has built a portfolio of leading flavor brands that enhance people's enjoyment of food all around the world. Every day, no matter where or what you eat, you can enjoy food flavored by McCormick. McCormick Brings Passion to Flavor™.