Cleaning of the Crayfish is important though with farmed Crayfish it is often unnecessary, as they are purged before they are sold. Wild Crayfish are cleaned by removing the bitter-tasting intestine from the tail. This can be done while the Crayfish is still alive

Wearing a glove as protection from the sharp claws, hold the body of the Crayfish firmly in one hand. with the other hand, grasp the central flange at one end of the tail and twist pulling gently. The dark intestine can be carefully drawn out.

Live crayfish may also be purged by placing them in salt water prior to cooking. This causes them to purge their intestines of any bitter material.