- 7 oz. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Buying Maine lobsters directly from the source is the recommended way to get the best ones. Although its dressier cousin, the ornate spiny lobster, is the most commonly farmed lobster species, the scalloped spiny lobster has also been identified as an ideal candidate for aquaculture (via The Fish Site). Slipper Lobsters come with a flat face and they dont have front claws. These tails have a characteristic reddish-orange color. The tails can come from species known as rock or spiny lobsters or from Maine lobsters, and they wont mind. Most of the lobsters Vietnam farms make their way to China, where they sell for a premium. If youd like to get the best taste and all the nutrients from a lobster, you need to buy and eat it as soon as its caught. At The Rusty Pelican, we are proud to serve the very best lobster in Key Biscayne, FL. For distribution and pricing | Non Eu Instead of the traditional claws, you may be more accustomed to seeing as a typical lobster, warm water lobsters have what look like antennae instead, which are the front set of legs. As a result, transporting them away from the coastal areas they are caught in is extremely difficult. If your lobster has any sort of smell, its best to avoid that aisle or shop, until further notice. To start, the service was top-notch. If you order lobster at a restaurant or pluck one out of a supermarket's tank in most of the United States, chances are you're getting a hard shell Maine lobster. Average Price (Frozen Shipped): $50/lb. However, because the space that would be meat is taken up by water, you can expect extra tender lobste,r as the water within the lobster marinates the meat while cooking (via Wholesale Maine Lobster). And whether youre preparing it steamed, boiled, or grilled, you need the right kind thats best for your cooking method. They also have a courser flavor. Put the egg into a small bowl. The Australian lobster tail weighs about eight to ten ounces. So, if youre getting yours from a store closer to where the action is, youre likely to get fresher products overall. Be sure to fully defrost the lobster tails and cook until the meat is just opaque. While tenderness is often a common reason for people choosing one part over the other, there are a couple more possibilities to consider. Typically, the tail meat is firmer than the . Bigger lobsters deliver more meat and look more impressive on a plate, but the best flavor pound for pound belongs to the recommended range. Website:www.mualobster.com Address: 849 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103. As a result, the waters around Tristan da Cunha are "considered to be one of the best managed and sustainable lobster fisheries in the world. They are mostly caught by divers, not desirable for commercial fisheries and also prohibited to fish. This is also one of the most common types of lobster sold in America as frozen lobsters. The meat from the tail is fibrous and also quite firm. Due to the thickness of its shell, you will find less meat in the lobster. It used to be served in several prisons. It is not known whom the specific epithet lalandii commemorates, although it may the French naturalist and taxonomer Pierre Antoine Delalande. at the most vs. on a Maine lobster of 1 3/4. It is essential to understand the difference between the two types of lobsters to know what to expect when you cook them. The European lobster spends its time on the sea floor subsisting on small fishes, crustaceans, and shellfish, which all contribute to its fantastic flavor. So, a lobster with very long antennae is most likely still relatively fresh. As you might already know, lobsters are omnivores that eat fish, plants and crustaceans. Australian lobsters are warm water lobsters. The City University of Hong Kong describes the species as "generally green," with small white spots and numerous spines. As lobsters don't tend to travel well, it is nearly impossible to get live European lobster in North America, and frozen French Blues come at a premium. Since Tristan da Cunha is only accessible by boat and the trip takes six days, this journey is only made nine times a year. I hope you find value in the articles on this website. This lobster's shell is mainly cream and blue, but may feature orange, pink, and purple, too. The best way to enjoy high-quality Maine Lobsters is to buy them from Maine lobstermen. - 18 Worthy Side Dishes Lobster In 2022. The color is often why these lobsters are kept. Lobsters are popular mainly because they are very tasty to eat. The flavor profile is sweet and briny with a rich taste all at the same time. This variety of lobster has been described as having a "sweet, succulent flavor and a plump texture beyond compare." Maine lobsters generally taste better and hold more meat compared to the slightly less-inspiring and usually smaller meat from Florida lobsters. So, if you love steamed or boiled lobster meat, you may prefer claws and the tender meat they hold, while those who prefer grilled lobster meat will most definitely prefer tails. The maxim length is up to 24 inches and they are very popular in China. This is important because due to the demand and price, poaching businesses thrive in this region. Of course, laws in most places mandate putting back a visibly pregnant lobster in the water to keep the population healthy, but its not always easy to know a pregnant lobster. Cold-water vs. Warm-water Meat. Maine Shore . Found in the deepest, most frigid and pristine southern waters of South Africa, these beauties are MSC Certified, sustainably caught, and have no chemicals or preservatives. The typical price for a store-bought Maine lobster would be around $50/lb, but prices will vary depending on location. Despite being more common in the waters around India, the biggest consumer of the scalloped spiny lobster is China, with most Chinese consumers using the crustacean as a celebration dish. The biggest difference between Maine Lobster and Spiny Lobster is that Maine Lobster have claws and Spiny lobster do not. Cut the lobster tails in half or cut a slit in the top to pull the tail out and sit on top of the shell. However, they live in cold water. They both belong to the Homarus americanus family. It's located in the frigid waters of the South Atlantic Ocean between South Africa, Argentina, and Antarctica. Warm water lobsters are often referred to as spiny lobsters. Warm water lobsters are also much more affordable. Warm-water lobsters are from Indonesia, the Caribbean, Brazil, and other warm water areas. Caribbean lobsters are commercially fished when they reach the minimum size of around 3 inches (7.6 centimeters). They have juicy and succulent claw meat and lots of it. The flavor and texture are second to none, and the tail boasts a beautiful bright shade of red that makes it extra-appealing. The best types of lobster for your next recipe. choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. This slight change in habitat temperature affects their tenderness and flavor, making them slightly below what youd get from Maine lobsters. In comparison, soft-shelled lobsters are more prevalent in warmer climates. Australian lobsters, like most other warm water lobsters, don't have front claws. They are small but have very large antennas. If youre trying to weed out lobsters with really old shells, the only characteristic to watch out for is dirty or scrapes-laden claws. It is found mostly in Maine but also in the waters between North Carolina and Eastern Canada. All types of lobsters have their hard shell and soft shell seasons because they molt or shed their shell to grow. Like the Caribbean lobster, the California lobster is a warm water species and lacks claws(via Vice). Typically, the lobsters are rapidly frozen via blast freezing almost immediately after being caught, flawlessly preserving their sweet flavor and firm texture. Similarly, Maine lobsters are easier to get between June and October, while Canadian lobsters are the best to go with outside that window. The best lobster is the highly-rated cold-water Maine lobster scientifically known as Homarus americanus. However, it became a symbol of good living when it started getting canned and could now be shipped worldwide. The shells are also tougher, and the meat is slightly less tender and not as tasty. Whether you want to make lobster roll, lobster soup, or bisque, this succulent meat will leave you satisfied if you nail the recipe. The main difference between the Maine lobster and the Canadian lobster is the thickness of the shell. TheEatDown.com is a participant in theAmazonServices LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking toAmazon.com. The taste is mildly sweet and also quite meaty. South African Lobster (5) at Eddie V's Prime Seafood "The ambiance, food taste/quality/quantity, drink and service made the price worth it. 4. Wholesale Customers. Youll also see comparisons of the various options available to help you make a decision. The reason the small lobsters are better is because of their age. Interestingly, lobster harvesting laws in Maine only allow you to catch lobsters weighing a minimum of 1.25lbs (0.57kg). They also have a wider range of colors, so youll see quite a few pale brown or pale yellow rock lobsters compared to the dark green thats common for Maine variants. Cold-water lobsters are from New England, Atlantic Canada, Northern Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. 6 oz. These are often confused with Canadian lobsters. Lobster Tail Dinners. Tristan lobster tails, for many lobster connoisseurs, is renowned as the best in the world! The steak was cooked and seasoned to . I always tell people they are better off buying two 1-pound lobsters instead of one 2-pound lobster. I have always been interested in survival, fishing, camping, and anything in nature. If you live in the U.S., you are most likely to encounter this lobster variety as a frozen tail (via Wild Oceans). Caught in the cold southern coastal waters of South Africa by using a long line lobster trap method at depths of 50 to 150 feet, this tail boasts sweet, succulent meat in a brilliant red shell. At Trulucks, we partner with the operator Ruwekus (Rigel brand) because they are ultra-high quality, practice a unique freezing process, and are simply good, fun people we trust. The South African lobster had a better taste than Maine or Australian lobster I've eaten at other restaurants. This type of lobster has stunning purple and lavender markings. Older lobster is tougher. Average Price (Frozen Shipped): $65/lb. Like other warm-water lobsters, rock lobsters are a different species from Maine lobsters. Palinurus lalandii H. Milne-Edwards, 1837. Youll want to head to a reputable seafood restaurant with a skilled chef that can truly make this delicacy shine. The soft shell variant of the Maine (or American) lobster is the exact same species as the hard shell, except it has molted more recently and its exoskeleton is still in the hardening process (via The Ocean Mart). Live Maine Lobsters. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Not only they have juicy claw meat, but their tail meat is also extremely firm. Lobster Gram is one of the few places where you can order South African lobster tails delivered straight to your door! They are mainly fished in Asia, however, they are endangered in most places. To ensure freshness, make sure that you know the molting season of the lobster that you want to get. On average, a pound of frozen Canadian lobster will cost about $65. California Spiny Lobster One type, Panuliris interruptus, and caught along the southern Atlantic coast and the California coast. The key differences between spiny lobsters and Maine lobsters are their claws and antennae. The species is considered safe to eat raw, so you may actually see lobster sashimi on the menu in some Asian restaurants (and it's likely that the slices of raw lobster will have come from P. homarus). Available in 2 oz.-20 oz. Described as "slightly chewy" and as having a "creamy and extremely nutty flavor," the California spiny lobster might just be the West Coast scuba diving community's best-kept secret, as they're the only Americans that have access to them. You'll want to get them while you can. Maine Lobster Bisque. The taste is smooth and delicate. Lobster in the wild. Of course, for a big-sized one, it could also mean its been held alone in a tank for a while, but its something you should watch out for. Maine lobster tails have smooth and plain-colored shells compared to their warm-water friends. Filet Oscar Style With South African Lobster Tails at Eddie V's Prime Seafood "Last night was my first time here and I was highly impressed. . Place the baking sheet with lobster tails unto the over, centering it under the broiler. Appearance-wise, it's mostly white with tinges of a red hue. The reason for this is that this area is extremely well managed by South Africa Fishing Ethically (SAFE). There are 12 different types of lobster from many areas around the world but not all of them are edible. The smaller, more tender, and younger lobsters have more flavor than the older ones with tough meat. Hard and soft shell lobsters need a different style of cooking because soft shell lobsters are more fragile and they are also harder to ship. Fresh lobster of this variety tends to be available in Florida for around eight months per year. Maine lobsters live in cold and shallow waters. Flavor: Creamy, nutty, delicate and sweet. Still, it is an interesting alternative to simply boiling the meat in salt water. The world's most treasured coldwater spiny lobster, from the most remote inhabited island in the world, Tristan da Cunha. Norway lobster has a light orange color similar to the color of shrimp. They can grow up to 24 inches long, and the average price is about $25 per pound. Catching South African lobsters requires long-line pots because they reside at depths between 450 to 650 feet. Instead of claws, they have antennae which are also used to scare predators. Iceberg Wedge BLT. Rest assured that youve never experienced a lobster, kreef or crayfish of this quality. Lobsters from Maine have gained a reputation for being the best lobsters in the world. Lobster Anywhere provides instructions on the amount of salt to add and the time you need to boil your lobster. H. capensis, of the waters around South Africa, grows to 10 or 13 cm (4 to 5 inches) and is of little commercial value. It is this size and their "outstanding taste" that has led to the ornate spiny lobster being widely fished and eaten (via Sea Unseen). It's the South African lobster's similarities to a warm water species that set it apart because it's actually a cold water lobster. When comparing the South African cold-water lobster with the well-known Maine lobster, there are a few key differences: The South African lobster shell is bright red, whereas the shell of a Maine lobster is brown. The lobster tail is an esteemed choice of seafood meat around the world for its sweet and succulent taste. . They typically are larger than warm-water lobsters with the large claws we commonly associate with these tasty crustaceans. Contrary to its name, the Mediterranean lobster can be found as far away as the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland. Tel: +1 (207) 772-3565. Spread 2/3 of the butter mixture among the four lobster tails and leave remaining butter to finish them off when baked. Although they are in-season year-round, the government maintains a quota that makes this type of lobster rarer than others. Brazilian lobsters are highly rated as one of the tastiest warm water species in the world. Are you a big fan of lobsters? 6 oz. The country imports hundreds of millions of dollars worth each year from countries like the U.S. and Vietnam. One of, if not the largest poaching settlements of all time was settled over these lobsters to the tune of $22.5 million and prison time. Protein: 21g. As the new exoskeleton ages, it will progress to hard and ultimately be shed before the process happens again. Unlike Maine lobster that protects itself with its impressive claws, rock lobsters fend off predators with forward pointing spines that cover their body. However, they are quite popular in China, which is where the majority of commercially caught spiny lobsters from California and Mexico end up. The belief that cold-water lobsters are the sweetest has made them popular. In addition, old shell lobsters are also ranked as the most expensive due to the high transportation costs, most of which are shipped by air to anywhere. Obviously, they are warm water lobsters because they have long appendages and no claws. Still, if you end up with one of those, youll probably get slightly more meat, but the taste will be lacking overall. Canadian lobster has a much sweeter and more refined taste. And getting them at the right time can significantly influence how fresh they are. The best season for the New Zealand lobster is between May and February. Tender, flavorful, Lots of work to extract meat. This will depend on where you buy them. 2. One of Australia's four main lobster species, Panulirus cygnus or the Western rock lobster is predominantly caught off the coast of Western Australia. Maine, American, or Northern Lobster (Homarus americanus) Rock Lobster Rock, or Spiny Lobsters are found in warmer waters. Flavor: Slightly sweet, meaty succulent texture. Try dressing the cooked lobster in a mildly sweet and sour dressing, a hint of chili or garlic, and freshly torn basil. The South African lobster shell is bright red, whereas the shell of a Maine lobster is brown. Also known as the Caribbean lobster, the Florida spiny lobster is a common sight on menus from Key West to Kingston. They are often called sea crayfish. How many people would want to pay for a pack of lobster claws knowing that around 80% of the weight isnt edible? Because of the South African cold-water lobsters natural habitat, including the water depth and temperatures it lives in, the tails meat has an exceptionally steak-like, meaty texture that youre sure to enjoy. During this process, they puff up their own flesh with water in order to create a roomier shell. Panulirus ornatus or the ornate rock lobster is native to the waters of Southeast Asia and Northern Australia, though specimens have been recorded as far away as the Mediterranian sea. Also, the meat is sweeter than warm water lobsters. The South African lobster is a pretty unique species. There are only three operators in the world that are allowed to fish off the South Coast. Lobster populations have been growing in some areas like the Gulf of Maine, as waters warm and their natural predators, Atlantic cod, decline. The late, greatKeith Floyd used langoustines alongside monkfish and bass, in what he described as "the best fish stew in the world." Whole lobster needs to boil for between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on its size. They've also been declining in other areas like southern New England, where waters are warming enough to cause problemsif waters exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit, it can be fatal. This demand has driven up the price of the lobsters, leading Americans to select cheaper options. Maine lobster has a mild and sweet flavor and a medium texture. Is There a Difference Between a .38 and a .38 Special? It is often named as the best lobster on any seafood menu. When you dine out in a seafood restaurant, you should expect cold water lobster. Within the first few years, this tactic resulted in the "catch per unit effort (CPUE)" of the prohibited areas showing an estimated 300% to 700% increase in "both density and biomass burst" (via Nature.com). Enjoying this lobster right after killing and cooking is how it retains its freshest texture. The full adult size of this type of lobster is also among the largest of all lobsters. These lobsters are typically the cheapest to buy, whether from frozen seafood stores or restaurants. Plus choose your delivery date! If you live in Texas and want to buy Maine lobsters, youre not going to get the freshest packed lobster. Not all European lobsters have claws. The European lobster also tends to be smaller than Homarus americanus, but the quantity is offset by quality, as the meat tends to be more flavorful. Both Maine and South African lobsters have a sweet flavor, though many people describe South African lobster as having a more pronounced taste. Estimated Reading Time: 7 mins. THIS IS A REAL TREAT NOT TO MISS! Tristan lobsters tend to be on the smaller side, with the average tail weighing between three to five ounces, though some examples can weigh as much as ten. All lobsters have five pairs of legs, but cold-water lobsters have claws important to their feeding habit in their front legs. These lobsters are in season between November and April. Its front legs are small, and are basically designed to move the creature's eggs around when necessary. The most sought after lobster tail. As you may have guessed, the ornate spiny lobster's name comes from their appearance, as they look quite striking (literally). . If you talk to two dozen people, youre bound to get different answers as people choose tastes they are used to or types of lobster meat they have the fondest memories of. One of the most notable differences between warm and cold water lobsters, though, is that spiny lobsters have no claws. These muscular tails give even the Caribbean lobsters a run for their money, and because of this, there is a very high price tag attached to a South African lobster. Maine lobster grows at a slower rate, so the result is firmer and more succulent meat compared to the Brazilian lobster. Buying lobster tails often guarantees more meat for your money compared to going with claws. Here are some of those: Lobsters are seasonal. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, American live lobster exports to China, a major buyer of seafood, plummeted by more than 40 percent in 2019 after China imposed heavy tariffs on U.S. lobsters . The wild lobsters are trap caught, and then frozen at sea to ensure freshness. It is a 3-week boat ride to the clean waters off the South African coast. The Canadian variant comes from colder waters and looks slightly different. Langoustines tend to be firmer and sweeter than larger lobster species, and they don't have to stand alone in a dish. The reason why they get the name Furry lobsters is that their body is covered in hair. Warm-water lobsters like the Florida Lobsters dont have these claws because they use their front appendages to draw food to their strong mandibles, which can crush mollusk shells. The Maine Lobster is found in the North Atlantic, off the east coast of the United States, with the highest concentrations being close to New England and Maine specifically, hence the name. Cold-water lobsters have meat in their . With lobster, a lot goes into getting them from the water to your plate, which drives up the price and increases interest among people. There are2 main types of lobster: cold water lobster and warm water lobster. This differs from true lobster species like the Maine and European lobsters, whose front legs have adapted into two large claws one "cutter" and one "crusher" that are both used in the way their names suggest. Boston lobster is a generic term used in the international market when discussing all clawed lobsters from North America. Its easy to boil, bake, grill, or microwave a lobster tail, and it stays in form while cooking with a great uniformity to the cooking. The reason is that they live in warmer waters than Canada which gives them an overall better taste that you can't compare to any other type of lobster. Apart from knowing the best lobster species to look at, you also need to know how to pick them when youre at a store. The best lobster is the highly-rated cold-water Maine lobster scientifically known as Homarus americanus. If you cant find them, Florida or Brazilian lobsters can also do a great job! H. gammarus, the European lobster, a dark greenish animal, occurs on rocky bottoms of the European Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean Sea. 2 photos. There are also subtle differences in flavor, even among closely related varieties. Your table is waiting. South African Lobster Palinurus gilchristi is a true cold water, spiny lobster species and is commonly known as SOUTH COAST LOBSTER or SOUTH AFRICAN LOBSTER in the US markets. Add to Cart. Yet another clawless variety of warm water lobster is the Mediterranean lobster (Palinurus elephas), which isn't that common globally, but something you may spot if you frequent seaside markets in Southern Europe. A traditional rock lobster recipe from the area involves boiling and halving the lobsters before covering them in an oil, lemon juice, and salt, dressing (via SBS). Maine lobster possesses a sweet briny richness, with an extremely fibrous and firmer tail meat. Retail Store Customers. This is one of the reasons why Maine lobster would usually land in restaurants and supermarkets. However, they are tender and are flavor-rich. Check the internal temperature (135-140F) to ensure the tails are cooked throughout. Knowing which variants are in season will reduce your chances of buying stale lobster or paying over-the-top rates for another variant. South African Lobster Tails are in high demand due to the sweet, succulent meat contained in the brilliant red-colored shell. The lobster's unique flavor may come from its diet, which is predominantly vegetarian. Hard shell lobsters are usually fished between fall and spring. Both Maine and South African lobsters have a sweet flavor, though many people describe South African lobster as having a more pronounced taste. The shells on a lobsters claws are very heavy compared to the meat youd get from it, while the shells on the tail are lighter and thinner. South African lobsters are interesting in the sense that they incorporate the best of both worlds. No other lobsters have both appendages and claws. Australian. They are very small and often known for their coloring instead of their meat. They are more common in the colder seasons. However, no Are you looking for something to serve with your elegant lobster tails? As a result, the standards for quality are extremely high, and the lobsters are protected until they are harvested at their peak adult condition. They grow slower than Caribbean lobster, and this influences the overall taste. The claws are also used for self-defense when necessary. Newly formed hard shells wont have many scrapes as the lobster hasnt put the claws to use enough to leave marks. Different factors affect them and influence the taste of lobster. Thats the story of the delectable South African lobster tail that we feature at Trulucks. Once you decide what species of lobsters you want or the type of lobster meat you value the most, then its all about choosing the right individual pieces when youre in a store. Of course, Maine lobsters getting rave reviews also mean Canadian lobsters are more competitively priced in most places. As low as $104.00 Regular Price $130.00. What Is the Best Quality Beef in the World, 4 Best Tasting Freshwater Fish (And How To Prepare Them). It is best served fresh, which means that it is more abundant in coastal towns, and this is one of the many reasons it is more popular. Buying Maine lobsters directly from the source is the recommended way to get the best ones. 3. Also known by their scientific name (Jasus edwardsii) and their Maori name (Kura), the New Zealand rock lobster can weigh between one and ten pounds. Not all varieties of lobster are eaten, but of those that are, there are considerable physical differences ranging from color to size to texture. Indulge during your next visit. Maine Lobster Tails . Depending on the size of the lobster, it will take 10-12 minutes. The average weight of the tails is from 8 to 10 ounces.. Scripps Institution of Oceanography graduate Kate Masury claims the Chinese prefer clawless lobster species to their cold water counterparts. Most rock lobsters belong to a completely different genus known as the Palinuridae. This is the basis of the distinction between both types of lobsters. The larger claw features thick teeth that help in crushing mollusk shells, while the smaller claw comes in handy for tearing flesh. Although they do not have claws or an oversized tail, South African lobsters are true cold-water lobsters with sweet meat and a muscular, steak-like tail because of their natural habitats water temperatures and depth. The cold water surroundings also give the lobster meat a softer taste and feel overall. Although Maine lobster is considered good quality, South African lobster is of an even higher standard of excellence.