Do you purge your crawfish?

[BananaTom]

Years ago, (Actually 37 years ago) I was taught how to boil. I was in charge in the Friday boil while at work. As a matter of fact, my job security as a helper was not hingent on how well I performed at my trade. It was dependent on how well I boiled crawfish and had them ready for 2pm.

So on a Friday, I purchased the ingredients and prepared the fest.

In doing so I would purge the crawfish by pouring one box of salt over them, and then filling the tub with water, and let them soak in the salt water for 45 minutes.

I was told this made them sick and empty their insides. After the 45 minutes is up, I would rinse until the water ran clear.

Then "Pond" crawfish emerged, and I was told you did not have to purge pond crawfish. I did not listen, and maintained the purge method.

The amount of dirty water that is produced helps to prove to myself over and over, that the mud I washed away is not going to end up in my stomach.

Do you purge, and if so, how?

If not, why?

Thank you