Crayfish vs. Prawns: What is the Real Difference?

Do you want that blended or whole, sun-dried, highly aromatic seafood seasoning that brings our Afang soup, Egusi soup, and some other meals to life? That’s crayfish.

But if you look up “crayfish” online, you see pictures of small lobsters with big claws. If you look up prawns, you see something that looks exactly like jumbo shrimp.

To make things even more confusing, some foodstuff sellers often sell large, dried prawns under the name “Red Crayfish” (Oporo).

So, what is the actual difference? How do you store crayfish/oporo? Let’s clear the confusion so you know exactly what you are buying, cooking, and eating with your family.

1. Crayfish (Ede)

These are tiny, sun-dried river shrimps. They are usually dull brownish-grey, brittle, and highly affordable. Most households buy them in cups to grind into a fine powder.

12 Must Have Foodstuffs For Every Lagos Home – Iyaloja Direct: Crayfish vs. Prawns: What is the Real Difference?

2. Prawns (Red Crayfish/Oporo)

When a market sellers mention Red Crayfish, they are actually talking about large dried prawns. These are sun-dried or smoked until they turn a distinct, beautiful reddish-brown color. They are sorted by hand, meatier, and quite expensive.

Health Benefits of Crayfish and Prawn

Both crayfish and prawn are packed with healthy nutrients good for the body.

1. Source of low-fat Protein

Both options are excellent sources of low-fat protein to keep your muscles strong and your body energized.

2. Source of Calcium

Because regular crayfish is small enough to be ground and eaten whole with the shell, it gives your body a large dose of Calcium for strong bones and teeth.

3. Blood and Brain Booster

Oporo is loaded with Iron and Vitamin B12, making it excellent for boosting blood levels, fighting tiredness, and supporting brain health.

4. Glow and Immunity

Both are rich in Zinc and Selenium, which protect your immune system while giving you healthy skin and hair.

Uses of Crayfish and Prawn

Crayfish serves as your natural, healthy seasoning. Because it is ground up, it dissolves into the food to give Egusi soup, Ogbono soup, Efo riro, and Yam Porridge that smoky rich flavor and taste.

Oporo is too good to be hidden! You don’t grind oporo into dust; you cook it whole or roughly chopped. Drop them into Soups, native Jollof Rice, Seafood Okro, or native Spaghetti. They absorb water as they cook, becoming fat and juicy.

CONCLUSION

Through Iyaloja Direct, you don’t have to worry about prices of Crayfish and prawn rising in the market. We help you buy the little you need as though you are buying in bulk at direct Mile12, Oyingbo, Ketu and Ijora markets wholesale prices, and save you up to 40% because we are buying for many people at the same time.  

We also save you stress and time because we deliver directly to your doorstep in Lagos.

Contact us today to shop your fresh and quality foodstuff and other household essentials needs at wholesale prices no matter how little. 

Order now at www.iyalojadirect.com