They're found around the world, including the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Does the restaurant offer a view of the water? When it comes to eating lobster at home, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Maine Lobster vs Canadian Lobster Maine Lobster vs Spiny (or Rock) Lobster Maine Lobster vs Florida (or Spiny) Lobster Why Maine Has The Best Lobstah Evah The Essential Guide To Preparing Lobster 5 Steps To Eating Lobster Like A Mainer. After the soak the lobstermen remove the lobsters that are of legal size and release those that are too small or too large. Youll want to make sure youre buying fresh lobster. Also keep in mind that this is a firmer meat so be careful of pounding it with high heat and over cooking it. On the other hand, the Maine lobster (Homarus americanus) is a crustacean with two large, strong, and unequal-sized claws for feeding. Florida lobsters are a type of Spiny lobster, so all the differences noted above between Maine Lobster and Spiny (or Rock Lobster) hold true for Florida lobster. Pound for pound, spiny lobster has more meat than New England lobster does. So why is Maine lobster so much better than any other type of lobster? See this Lobster Cooking Guide for an in-depth tutorial. You may have another species of lobster as there are about 60 species of Spiny Lobster around the world. Spiny Lobster live in warmer waters and can be found throughout the more sub tropical and tropical areas around the world like the Caribbean, florida, California, Mexico, South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland etc. So get that butter melting, pull out your lobster crackers, and lets swim through the basics. Maine lobsters are generally a greenish-brown or black color when alive. There are two things to look at on the tail of the Lobster in order to identify them correctly. /* display: block; */ 1. Do you know the difference between Main Lobster and Spiny Lobster? Expert lobstermen and chefs agree. Reef These lobsters have claws; however, they are not termed clawed lobsters. Even though they are all lobsters, there are still some major differences between the different species of lobster. Lastly, if youre eating at home, you can eat it like a pro! Here are just a few of the of the highlights well cover. We are almost full-time travelers now, although we still call Maine home. The key differences between spiny lobsters and Maine lobsters are appearance, size, habitat, taste, and lifespan. Lets look at how to eat lobster at home, as this is the most common way to eat lobster. Spiny lobsters have small pointing spines covering their bodies for protection against predators, from which their name originated. Answer (1 of 5): I am certainly not an expert, and I much prefer shrimp. Maine lobsters can escape backward from predators by flapping their tails for a quick burst of speed. Lobster are also referred to as "bugs" in the lobster diving world. Incredibly, both lobsters serve as food for humans. (Just Like I do with Maine vs. New Hampshire .). For the larger part of the claw, you can use your lobster cracker, a mallet, or give it a sharp rap with the back edge of a large kitchen knife. So, thanks to his relationships with the commercial fishery in the area, he flies home with a planeful of lobsterstheir long antennae waving in the air. Spiny lobsters have the capability to grow up to 20 pounds but are usually harvested. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Each trap is made of metal wires or old-school wooden slats. Female lobsters with eggs are given a v notch in their tails before being released. Learn how to choose between different types of lobsters and find out why Maine lobster is the best. Maine Lobster vs. Spiny Lobster March 24, 2007 In a no holds barred cage match, Captain Spiny would crush Maine Man. Female lobsters tend to have wider tails than male lobsters, while male lobsters tend to have larger claws. Because they live in warmer waters, theyre flavor is brinier, and what some might consider fishier. Simply poach, steam, roast, or grill the lobster, add a drizzle of butter, and you have a meal thats guaranteed to impress. Learn how you can do the same on our Resources page. They can also be called true lobster, Atlantic lobster, and Northern lobster. Because of their high value and nutrition, they are often sold fresh. They use their strong mandibles to crack the shells of their prey. - Maine lobsters live in the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Their texture is succulent and meaty, never dry or grainy. But what are the key differences between the spiny lobster and the Maine lobster? It makes a great lobster roll, lobster bisque, and lobster salad. Fresh Maine lobster tastes so much better than lobster that has been living in a crowded, dirty tank in a grocery store for who knows how long. As I'm eating the bounty of fish on the deck of the boat overlooking the sunset, I realize how extraordinary the moment is. Sometimes, as with a restaurant in the DR for the uncommon seafood lover in you, they're better. Add lime juice and herbs, stirring together. The key differences between spiny lobsters and Maine lobsters are their claws and antennae. Throughout the trip, I pop scallops and uni, freshly cracked open and picked out from the ocean floor, into my mouth like candy. Lobster are nocturnal. Check this link for Langoustines Recipes. Maine lobster sometimes is sold as North American Lobster or even Canadian Lobster. text-align: center; Its usually served with melted butter (clarified), lemon and/or a homemade sauce. What Size Hooks Should I Use For Rockfish, Magnet Fishing: Everything You Need To Know, Best Image Stabilized Binoculars for Fishing. Rock Lobsters or Spiny Lobsters do not have large edible claws like Maine lobster, but only tiny claws, which don't have any edible meat. As mentioned above the biggest and most obvious difference between Maine lobster and Spiny lobster is that the Maine Lobster has claws. - The raw meat of spiny lobsters is white, crispy, sweet, and full of sea flavor. There's no difference between a Boston lobster and a Maine lobster unless you're looking at the Canadian variant of the Homarus Americanus. (Usually, it would be from spiny lobster fisheries near the Florida Keys.) That's how passionate he is about buying local.". .mobile-top-content a:hover { color: #fff; text-decoration: underline; }, @media (max-width: 480px) { The average beach price for Western Rock Lobsters . You may find Maine lobsters sold under other names including: True lobsters are sought after for their unrivaled flavor. The claws and tails of the lobster are the parts that most people like to eat, but there is a lot of meat in other places as well. If the only way you have to tell the difference between Maine Lobster and Spiny Lobster is the tail itself, you can still distinguish them with relative certainty. Their shell has green, black, and brown spots. King Cobra vs Monitor Lizard: Who Would Win in a Fight? If you want to experience the best Maine lobsters, youll want to make sure that youre eating at one of the best lobster shacks in the state. 2. These Lobster are also called Rock Lobster. That said, wonderful spiny lobster can be found on plates all over the island. According to the Institute of Hematopathology, lobsters can survive for many years because of their ability to produce an enzyme known as telomerase in their organs that helps maintain long-term cell proliferation capacity and repair DNA. The green is called tomalley, and you can think of it as pate or foie gras. This is an accurate description of a Maine lobster, except for the color; lobsters only turn red when they are cooked. "They are a tremendous challenge to find in the water. Norway lobster is often sold as a premium . The claws often have sweet and tasty meat, and to many people, this is the best part of the lobster. - Spiny lobster is distributed mainly in tropical to subtropical seas such as Australia, Taiwan, China, Japan, Indonesia, - The popular size of Maine lobsters is 1.5lbs-3lbs. Garnish with chopped tomato concasse. While these lobster species are crustaceans with slight similarities, it'll interest you to know that they are delicious, meaty seafood exploited on a wide scale because of their soft meat. The best part for home cooks is that fresh Maine lobster is flavorful enough to shine all on its own with minimal seasoning or prep work. Lastly, pull off the little legs. This process makes the butter clear and allows the sweetness of the lobster to come through even better. They inhabit the cold waters of the Atlantic and contrary to the myth of mating for life and that episode of Friends, they prefer to live singularly. And why is Maine lobster so good? Some people have virtually nothing left but shell and a few scraps, while others never venture into the body. They have no claws, and usually occur in warm sub tropical to tropical waters and usually have enlarged antennae. Youll want to store your lobster in the refrigerator until youre ready to cook and eat it. The Spiny lobster lacks one notable feature: The giant claws. Delicious! Often, though, you will need to crack the tail open. The spiny lobster has a hard shell, longer antennae, and longer, spidery-looking legs compared to the Maine lobster. Now that you know all about our lobster, check out our newest obsessionour coffee, or an old standby, sea urchin. Next, place a hollowed lobster shell on each plate on top of the greens. This Caribbean lobster recipe with rum-jerk butter comes from the fine folks at Mount Gay Rum from Barbados,which also happens to be home to the excellent Lobster Alive. You can even pick your delivery date when ordering. Pull all lobster meat from the rest of the lobster. For more information, please see our Disclaimerbelow. Why? Around the time that European settlers arrived in North America, lobsters were so plentiful that they would wash up on the eastern shores in piles. Also known as the Caribbean lobster, the Florida spiny lobster is a common sight on menus from Key West to Kingston. Once that is done, youll be able to see little bits of meat here and there. 6. California spiny lobsters lack the pincers typical of Maine lobsters and are sweeter than their East Coast counterpartsbut Americans are lucky if they ever find them on their dinner plates. Hi, I'm Eric, I'm a professional chef, and these are my $250 lobster dinner ingredients. "The minimum size limit for California spiny lobster is three and one-fourth inches, from the horn of the lobster to the rear edge of the body shell," Thomas Templar, a scuba instructor at Ocean Safari, says. The spiny lobster is often sold as just lobster tails. Much to the surprise of unprepared diners, when spiny lobsters are served in restaurants, they are not available whole, but only sold as tails. You can cook rock lobster similarly to Atlantic lobster, such as by grilling or steaming. Be careful, because the knuckles are often spiny! Spiny lobsters have smaller claws that are inedible and long antennae, while Maine lobsters have shorter antennae but larger claws with edible meat. font-size:80%; But for most Americans, with the exception of scuba divers like Parfitt, California spiny lobster is a delicious delicacy that won't end up at the average dinner table. These tasty crustaceans are found as far north as Labrador in Canada and as far south as North Carolina. The spiny lobster is often sold as just lobster tails. Look for a lively one, as you would with a Maine lobster, and never buy a dead lobster that has not been frozen, as enzymes in the lobster can rot the meat very quickly. Rock Lobster vs Maine Lobster: Whats in a Name? Because they are somewhat alike, knowing where they can be found is an important factor in telling them apart. a Cantonese-style spiny lobster with garlic butter lo mein. Spiny Lobster will have a lighter coloration of spots on their tails while. Boothbay Harbor has an actual lobster pier and there are restaurants on it. Maine lobsters are typically between 8 and 24 inches in length and may have a mass of over 20.1 kg (44lbs). Western Atlantic Coast in North America, from Canada to North Carolina. Next, find the claws. Spiny lobsters (Palinuridae) are a family of crustaceans with about 60 species. This article will uncover all you need to know about both species of lobster, including their diets, preferred habitats, tastes, and behaviors. Spiny lobsters seek warmer waters by migrating to deeper water in winter, and they do this by following each other in a single file line. They are not true lobsters, but are more closely related to spiny lobsters and furry lobsters. Big, strong, Claws. Even though they lack pincers, i.e., they do not have claws, they have a longer and spiny antenna relative to Maine lobsters. Considered more of a nuisance than a food source, they were used as fertilizer and given to the lower classes of society, according to Insider. Some may possess a blue shell when born. Add lobster pieces and saut 5 minutes, or until mostly cooked through. If you spotted them both separately underwater, you'd probably know you were looking at lobsters, even though there are some significant differences between them. ), its time to eat! So put your bib on and get ready to crack into these tips. @media (min-width: 481px) { By the end, there wont be any confusion about which variety of lobster is the all-around bestand which you should definitely look for when shopping. This is why you will sometimes hear them referred to as Florida lobsters. Maine's 2023 James Beard nominees Are There Wolves in Maine? They are warm water creatures and migrate to deeper waters in the winter. It commands the highest price, is the largest species, and most people think it tastes the best. Toast rolls in a pan or grill split-side down, until golden brown, about 30 secs. If you can find a fresh lobster that has been caught recently, its a great choice since it tastes the best. Maine lobsters, on the other hand, inhabit the Western Atlantic Coast of North America, from Canada to North Carolina. Thicker shell. According to the Institute of Hematopathology, lobsters can survive for many years because of their ability to produce an enzyme known as telomerase in their organs that helps maintain long-term cell proliferation capacity and repair DNA. So, the next time you see a package of lobster tails for sale at your local supermarket, chances are it's spiny lobster. Good news: you can have the highest-quality Maine Lobster delivered straight to your kitchen. Their rarity could also make them more prized on a global scale; while Maine lobsters are only found in Atlantic waters, spiny lobsters are available outside of the U.S. as well, specifically off the Asian coast and in southern Brazil, per AZ Animals, and in the Caribbean Sea, as noted by NOAA Fisheries. Best Portland Hotels w/Indoor Pools Portland to Acadia National Park 15+ Great Winter Festivals, Maine Lobster vs Florida (or Spiny) Lobster. Well there you have it! Spiny lobsters have smaller claws that are inedible and long antennae, while Maine lobsters have shorter antennae but larger claws with edible meat. It just depends on their comfort level. Rock lobsters from some warm-water regions also have a distinctive eyelike spot on either side of the tail. The smaller front claw is also used for directing food into the mouth. Their peak season is in the winter months. New England lobster is Homarus americanus, in the family Homaridae. The absolutely amazing lobster, though, is not-to-be-missed! They vary in color from nearly white to dark red or brown, and they often have dark-colored spots on their tail. The Best, Lobsterman-Approved Ways to Cook Maine Lobster, The Easiest Way to Get Your Hands on Maine Lobster, Diagnosing Cheap Lobster: Mushy Meat, Discoloration, Fake Lobster, and More, The best ways to find and prepare Maine vs Rock Lobsters. Rudie estimates that 95 percent of his lobsters are currently shipped to China. Maine Lobsters have a darker coloration of spots on their tails. Another favorite way to eat Maine lobster is with Saltine crackers. American lobsters are in the Astacidea infraorder, while spiny lobsters are in the Palinura infraorder. Your email address will not be published. Both spiny lobsters and Maine lobsters are omnivorous and share the same diet. Spiny lobsters have very little meat and are smaller than Northern lobsters. However, the less sweet, more subtle flavor means that these shellfish are often cooked with bolder sauces and seasonings. In addition to being called rock lobster and spiny lobster, you can also find them listed as Caribbean spiny lobster, Florida lobster, and langosta espinosa. No, our lobster (also known as Caribbean spiny lobster), native to the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Golf of Mexico, is not a close relative of the cold water Maine lobster. Discover The Worlds Oldest Lobster (140 Years Old!). The biggest difference between Maine Lobster and Spiny Lobster is that Maine Lobster have claws and Spiny lobster do not. Maine lobsters, on the other hand, inhabit the Western Atlantic Coast of North America, from Canada to North Carolina. Today we will find out which of these two amazing lobsters . Poaching in butter was wonderful ! However, most are collected just north of New Jersey to Maine. margin: 0px -30px; Some stores will even cook the lobster you purchase from them for free. There are many types of lobsters. To begin with, if you love the succulent lobster claw, your only option is the Atlantic lobster from the north. With a knife, cut into the tail. Yellow rice, for serving. As a food, the Norway lobster is similar to crab taste and texture, and is sweeter than shrimp. Well, youve come to the right place. For us, though, one of the best places to sample some is Scilly Cay. Unlike Maine lobster, rock lobsters are often caught by hand either from diving, or snorkeling. Have you ever wondered about the differences between spiny lobsters and Maine lobsters? For that reason they are about 3 times as expensive as Maine lobster. It is October 1, the first day of recreational spiny lobster season this year. The family, Palinuridae, includes langoustes and langoustines, which are similar crustaceans found in South Asia. But what are the key differences between the spiny lobster and the Maine lobster? }. Keys Fisheries offer spiny lobster tails at $38.95 per pound, and Bradley's Fish sells whole raw rock lobsters weighing 600-800g for 35.00. That's right! Maine Lobster vs. Boston Lobster. Their diet consists primarily of small crustaceans, mollusks, fish, snails, decayed plants, shrimp, mussels, and clams on the sea bottom. The meat percentages change based on the season, with the Grade A lobsters of the fall and winter containing the most meat. Not only are our live lobsters shipped overnight but so is all of our seafood. These traps will stay on the ocean floor for up to two days. If its green or yellow, the lobster is likely old and not safe to eat. - Alaska lobster meat has high nutritional value because it contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. The porbeagle is one of the few sharks that jumps out of the water. And you won't find them in Maine or anywhere along the Northern East coast, but rather, off the warm shores of the southeastern U.S. from North Carolina down through Florida, and into Texas, via NOAA Fisheries. Since the waters in Canada are colder than the waters off of Maine, Canadian lobsters have thicker, harder shells. Learn more about us and how we do this on our About Us page. When cooked, it is as white as snow, chewy, and sweet. Langostinos are in the Anomura infraorder, with and hermit and porcelain crabs, and in the Galatheidae family. "You have to pin the lobsters down. Florida lobster vs Maine lobster really isnt even a contest. Check out our article for the best lobster diving gear and equipment. Spiny lobsters, also known as langustas, langouste, or rock lobsters, are a family (Palinuridae) of about 60 species of achelate crustaceans, in the Decapoda Reptantia.Spiny lobsters are also, especially in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, and The Bahamas, called crayfish, sea crayfish, or crawfish ("kreef" in South Africa), terms which elsewhere are reserved for freshwater crayfish. Sauteed lobster is usually served in pieces, with a sauce or in a mixture. Many restaurants offer Maine lobster in its whole form, steamed, roasted or grilled. Spiny lobsters do not have claws, but long antennae and legs protruding from their bodies. New England's mail order In this post, youll find out what makes our lobster so good. Required fields are marked *, LobsterAnywhere.com, Inc. They can grow to about 60 cm or 2 feet in length and weigh about 15 pounds. This makes sense, since the whole point of visiting Maine is to enjoy the stunning scenery. Lobster Alive Barbados is the best location for lobster on the island thanks to its location, but especially because it has the freshest lobster on island! Thank you for reading! When divers grab these lobster they wear special Kevlar gloves to keep from getting poked by these spines. Basically, everything tastes better when its both fresh and an experience. Here is the run-down of what home cooks need to know about Maine lobsters and where to find them. First of all, the lack of claws is a good indication that youre looking at a rock lobster, not a Maine lobster. It will go from done to rubber quickly. The best time to catch lobsters is during the warm months when the seawater is above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. You can do this by looking for a firm texture and a vibrant color. The colder water keeps the Maine Lobsters from tasting too "fishy". Norway lobster has a light orange color similar to the color of shrimp. The orange is roe. Others cut them with a knife. First, find the tail. Unlike Hannibal, we recommend pairing this delicacy with a dry ros and not chianti. Sportfishinglures.com also participates in other affiliate programs. Were covering everything you need to know about these two prominent lobster species and which one we New England-born lobstermen think is the best. "It's a way of connecting with the sea and understanding our own ecosystem.". Check out more of our Sport fishing Articles! Tails usually have the most meat, so many people start here. So, the next time you see a package of lobster tails for sale at your local supermarket, chances are its spiny lobster. Tucked right into the bay at Island Harbour, this bar and restaurant on a tiny coral cay is the perfect spot for a day of fun, food, and friends. On that morning divemy first attempt at the art of lobster huntingI had spotted one underneath a den staring back at me, waving its long, pointy antennas. While these lobster species are crustaceans with slight similarities, itll interest you to know that they are delicious, meaty seafood exploited on a wide scale because of their soft meat. What Size Insulated Fish Bag Should I Buy? Just like Maine lobster goes by several different names, so does rock lobster. The menu also boasts solid BBQ, jerk chicken, fresh seafood, and even burgers for the more, shall we say, boring in the group. Season with salt and pepper. There is an undisputed Poseidon of the sea in the kitchen when it comes to rock vs. Maine lobster, but both have their places. Even Parfitt, a recreational scuba diver, has observed the increased demand for lobster during his four decades of hunting. 2 Tbsp - Butter, plus enough to butter the bread. "He sells the lobsters at an affordable price and sometimes he doesn't even make a profit off of it. Combine the lobster, celery, bell peppers, onion, mayonnaise and cilantro in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. What sets Maine lobster apart from other lobsters is not just its amazing taste (though that is enough) its also that its not eaten with melted butter. These nutrients are needed to maintain and help for healthy bones development and the nervous system. Lobsters have the ability to regrow legs, claws, and antennae if they fall off due to injury or disease. Hi all. Rock Lobsters also have a more muted flavor compared to the Atlantic Lobster and require more seasoning to get a good dish. And just as naturally, almost anyone from the West Indies would loudly retort: CARIBBEAN SPINY LOBSTER IS DE BEST! Heres what you should know about the other lobster species found in the United States, rock lobsters. Rather than stoke the fires of the Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) vs Maine lobster (Homarus americanus) debate (I think you can guess my allegiance), Ill just say there are two things that factor into the tastiness of a dish that go beyond the usual debate.
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