Fish
Head
Crayfish heads and thorax shells are flavour bombs for stock, bisque, and fat-rich sauces. The tomalley-like matter in the head is prized by some cooks and avoided by others; use only from fresh, clean animals. Roast shells with tomato and aromatics, then simmer for bisque. Strain carefully. Not typically sold alone retail—save from whole peels.
Track this ingredient
Characteristics
Preparations
Traits
Nutrition and pairings
Nutrition
Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.
Nutrition Facts
Per 100 g edible portion
Amount per 100 g
- Total Fat 4.62 g
- Saturated Fat 0.96 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 1.9 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 2.07 g
- Cholesterol 56.4 mg
- Sodium 77 mg
- Salt 0.21 g
- Total Carbohydrate 0 g
- Dietary Fibre 0 g
- Total Sugars 0 g
- Complex / starch 0 g
- Protein 17.5 g
- Water 73.2 g
- Energy 107 kcal
- Water 73.2 g
- Protein 17.5 g
- Fat 4.62 g
- Saturated Fat 0.96 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 1.9 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 2.07 g
- Omega-3 0.83 g
- Vitamins 44.1 mg
- Vitamin A 15 µg
- Vitamin B1 — Thiamine 0.12 mg
- Vitamin B2 — Riboflavin 0.18 mg
- Vitamin B3 — Niacin 4.63 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.46 mg
- Vitamin B7 — Biotin 3.4 µg
- Vitamin B9 — Folate 13.4 µg
- Vitamin B12 — Cobalamin 1.2 µg
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Vitamin D 1.7 µg
- Vitamin E 0.66 mg
- Vitamin K 0.5 µg
- Minerals 418 mg
- Major Minerals 417 mg
- Trace Minerals 1.5 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
- Salt 0.21 g
- Cholesterol 56.4 mg
Vitamins
vitamin-c: 2 · vitamin-b12-cobalamin: 1.2 · vitamin-a: 15 · vitamin-b1-thiamine: 0.12 · vitamin-b2-riboflavin: 0.18 · vitamin-b3-niacin: 4.63 · vitamin-b5-pantothenic-acid: 0.8 · vitamin-b6: 0.46 · vitamin-b7-biotin: 3.4 · vitamin-b9-folate: 13.4 · vitamin-d: 1.7 · vitamin-e: 0.66 · vitamin-k: 0.5 ·
Minerals
Heads mix lean meat, collagen, and small fat deposits—great for stock more than pure macros.
History
Cajun and French cooks reserved crayfish heads and shells for deep-flavoured bisques.
Restaurant kitchens systematised shell stock from boil leftovers.