spiny lobster vs maine lobster taste spiny lobster vs maine lobster taste

It just depends on their comfort level. . Less meat. Still, others use a rolling pin or its equivalent to roll the meat out of them. Live lobsters are caught daily and shipped to you the next day. Did you know that Lobster research suggests that they keep growing indefinitely. The Spiny lobster lacks one notable feature: The giant claws. The most important difference for people who plan on eating, and not studying the lobsters, is that the spiny lobster does not have any claws! That doesnt mean the Spiny lobster is bad. But what are the key differences between the spiny lobster and the Maine lobster? If you prepare them correctly though you can hardly taste anything remotely fishy. Langostinos are in the Anomura infraorder, with and hermit and porcelain crabs, and in the Galatheidae family. Due to the thickness of its shell, you will find less meat in the lobster. However, there are a few that are more common than others. Add lime juice and herbs, stirring together. Youll want to store your lobster in the refrigerator until youre ready to cook and eat it. They can both be used in a number of ways to make a perfect dish. It is October 1, the first day of recreational spiny lobster season this year. Spiny lobsters have the capability to grow up to 20 pounds but are usually harvested. Scientists believe it's 140 years old. Parfitt caught a three-pounder on the first dive in the morning; he says he hasn't missed a season in 40 years. Pull all lobster meat from the rest of the lobster. The first is freshness and the second is a more nebulous spice that at times could be called authenticity, or nostalgia, or even an experiential quality. Another visible difference is that Spiny Lobster have small spines on the top of their bodies for protection while the top of Maine Lobster is smooth. Theyre also known as North American and Atlantic lobsters because they live throughout the icy cold waters of the northeast. While all of the different types of lobster have a similar taste of sea and salt, each one has its own individual nuances. When it comes to comparing just the flavor and texture of the tail meat, rock lobster is much firmer, grainier, and has a brinier flavor. The spiny lobster has a hard shell, longer antennae, and longer, spidery-looking legs compared to the Maine lobster. The specific makeup of the water will affect the taste of the lobster. Answer (1 of 5): I am certainly not an expert, and I much prefer shrimp. Norway lobster is often sold as a premium . These tasty crustaceans are found as far north as Labrador in Canada and as far south as North Carolina. Perfect locations for spiny lobster traps! Where can you easily find them? The B-52s mightve sung about Rock Lobster but this article will cover everything you ever wanted to know or didnt think to ask about the uniqueness of these two species of crustaceans. I hold seven years of professional experience in the content world, focusing on nature, and wildlife. The shell of this type of lobster is usually shiny and has a characteristic color of blue with green. If the meat is white, it is done. Spiny lobsters have smaller claws that are inedible and long antennae, while Maine lobsters have shorter antennae but larger claws with edible meat. Also called Rock lobster, the Spiny lobster also has an antenna much longer than its Maine counterpart. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a saut pan over medium heat. You wont want to heat it up again. (Usually, it would be from spiny lobster fisheries near the Florida Keys.) No one knows because it doesnt happen. Cut lobster tail into 4 pieces with shell intact. The live in crevices of rocks and coral reefs and tend to only come out at night to feed on snails, clams, crabs, sea urchins, and sea hares. They are warm water creatures and migrate to deeper waters in the winter. As they age, they can suffer from shell rot and various types of parasites. Taste is another factor in the difference between Maine Lobster and Spiny Lobster. Traps are also used in commercial fishing of rock lobsters. Delicious. .mobile-top-content a:hover { color: #fff; text-decoration: underline; }, @media (max-width: 480px) { First, find the tail. With a knife, cut into the tail. After the soak the lobstermen remove the lobsters that are of legal size and release those that are too small or too large. Spiny lobsters have the capability to grow up to 20 pounds but are usually harvested when they are between one and two pounds. If the overall dish is your goal and not the standout sweet and succulent flavor of naturally buttery Maine lobster, then rock lobster may be a good choice. What rock lobsters lack in claws they make up for in impressive antennae that are used to scare off predators. They also have what look like molars on their claws that aid in crushing crab and mussel shells. Every week, he flies himself to Bequia in the nearby Grenadines. The Chinese, she says, aren't privy to clawed crustaceans and tend to prefer spiny ones. You also get the most bang for your buck when it comes to cooking Maine lobster. Well, youve come to the right place. 4. This is common, and some people find it a delicacy, while others wash it off (or give it to someone who thinks its a delicacy!). The older they get, the bigger they get! The most obvious and well-known difference is the taste. Each trap is made of metal wires or old-school wooden slats. The increased demand from China has raised prices of the California spiny lobster to the point where most Americans consumers are not willing to pay for it. It's not a big dealthere are still many months left in the season. Dont worry; were here to answer all your questions. Masury is behind the site Follow Your Fish, which tracks the supply chain behind certain American seafood like the California squid and spiny lobster. Let LobsterBox show you some useful information about lobsters! Since the waters in Canada are colder than the waters off of Maine, Canadian lobsters have thicker, harder shells. Live lobsters, lobster tails and frozen meat packs. Advertisement The water temperature is 65 degrees and although the visibility isn't fantastic underwater, the. The oldest lobster in the world was caught in 2009. Interesting FactBack in the day, like waaaay back in the day, lobsters were fed to prisoners in Maine because they were so abundant they were considered a pest species! Spiny lobsters are warm water creatures. Editor's note: The Crucian Contessa is back with a lobster salad treat for us to try our hands at mastering to bring a taste of the West Indies to our homes! Girl in Bikini Basically a Ninja, Grabs Attacking Cobra By The Neck Like a Champ, Discover Marylands 4 Largest and Most Dangerous Snakes this Summer. The easiest way to get this meat is the crack the shell open instead of trying to pull the meat out. Rock Lobster vs Maine Lobster: Whats in a Name? But again, definitely try the grilled lobster. Because of their high value and nutrition, they are often sold fresh. .mobile-top-content { Lets begin! Big, strong, Claws. For the best taste and texture, youll want to boil your lobster. Rock Lobsters also have a more muted flavor compared to the Atlantic Lobster and require more seasoning to get a good dish. In the United States, most rock lobster comes from Florida and southern California. Check out more of our Sport fishing Articles! In 2015, that price skyrocketed to close to $30. 3. When you pull the tail off, you might see a bunch of green and/or orange stuff. Here is the run-down of what home cooks need to know about Maine lobsters and where to find them. The average Australian rock lobster is 10 inches long and about 6 pounds. Here are seven reasons good reasons (especially if youre eating it in Maine): Lobsters are marine creatures, but not all coastal waters are created equal. For that reason they are about 3 times as expensive as Maine lobster. a Cantonese-style spiny lobster with garlic butter lo mein. Next, find the claws. That is to say, relaxed, friendly, and quick with a rum punch. Lobster season in the Caribbean is one of the best times to find yourself in the West Indies. It depends on whether or not they are molting, and what stage they are at. The best lobsters are those that are about three years old. Also, there is actually meat in the little flaps of the lobster tail if you want to take the time to get it out. Once that is done, youll be able to see little bits of meat here and there. Theyre both meaty, but the rock lobster is much firmer, drier, and can easily become tough if overcooked. Rock lobsters tend to a wider range of colors than the Maine kind as well, so you'll see a lot of relatively pale yellows and browns as opposed to the Maine lobster's usual dark green-brown with hints of red. The clawless species known as slipper lobsters (family Scyllaridae) differ significantly from spiny lobsters. One of the claws is very sharp and used for tearing prey into smaller pieces, while the other is used for crushing the shells of mollusks. In general, lobster from the Atlantic Ocean will have a stronger flavor than that from the Pacific or other warmer waters. So, the next time you see a package of lobster tails for sale at your local supermarket, chances are its spiny lobster. Which one do you like better? One look at both of these species side by side and you will be able to tell the difference. The type of eater you are and the setting in which youll be eating your lobster will determine what you do with yours. So, what type of lobster is the best? Be careful, because the knuckles are often spiny! Rock lobsters from some warm-water regions also have a distinctive eyelike spot on either side of the tail. You should think about them for your next meal because they both have a sweet and highly flavored briny taste. - Many people like the taste of Maine Lobster. 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. At the top of where each little leg was attached, youll find little coins of meat. But wherever your tastes take you, weve got all the insider knowledge on how to eat a lobster correctly. color: #fff; Long considered a delicacy, many people save such an entre for special occasions and holiday feasts. These Lobster are also called Rock Lobster. Give the Authentic Maine experience to family, friends or special clients. There is an undisputed Poseidon of the sea in the kitchen when it comes to rock vs. Maine lobster, but both have their places. Lobster are cannibals. In addition, Maine lobsters are the largest around, and under their smooth dark red shell is some of the best tasting seafood you can find. While the bugs can't be found in most supermarkets or restaurants, they can be directly bought online from buyers like Catalina Offshore Products; there are also a few restaurants and markets, like Mitch's Seafood and the Tuna Dockside Harbor in San Diego, that make a point of selling homegrown seafood. Each type has many different sizes so the price is also different accordingly. They use these antennae to create a rasping sound, rubbing them together like a plectrum and file to ward off threats, similar to some insects. It's true that spiny lobsters don't have large pincer claws. Remove lobster from pan and keep warm. The Canadian lobster is the Maine lobsters closest rival. 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. margin: 0px -30px; Also known as the Caribbean lobster, the Florida spiny lobster is a common sight on menus from Key West to Kingston. 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. And why is Maine lobster so good? There are many ways you can tell if a lobster shack is truly worthy of the title. Parfitt shakes his head as I tell him this story. Western Atlantic Coast in North America, from Canada to North Carolina. If you want a luxurious lobster meal, these arent the lobsters youre looking for. If it comes down to Maine vs Canadian lobster, Im still picking Maine! Even though they lack pincers, i.e., they do not have claws, they have a longer and spiny antenna relative to Maine lobsters. Spiny lobsters are warm water creatures. King's Seafood Co.mentions that Spiny lobsters are also harvested off the shores of California from October through March. One of the many things Maine is known for is having amazing lobster. For this crustacean, the only edible part is the tail. Removing from heat pour in the rum and add butter stirring until it has melted evenly and turns creamy. Here are a few pictures of each Lobster below. You can even be tailgate ready with handheld mini lobster sliders. Boiled lobster is enjoyed whole. The biggest difference between Maine Lobster and Spiny Lobster is that Maine Lobster have claws and Spiny lobster do not. If you want lobster to be a small part of a larger dish, theyll work well. Immediately, a moray eel poked its head out and I jumped back, conceding defeat. Lobster has become so entwined with the culture and cuisine of Maine that the state even hosts an annual lobster festival. - Maine lobsters live in the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The Rock lobster, only available as tails, can be interchanged with Maine Lobster in recipes, but the meat, although similar, is generally coarser, dryer, and less flavorful. As the lobster grows, there is space between its shell and the meat which gets filled with ocean water. Although there is very little difference between Canadian lobster vs Maine lobster. Some lobsters can get as large as 25 pounds, but the typical weight for a lobster is between 1 and 2 pounds. If youre shopping for lobsters, its easy to tell just by sight if youre buying Maine or rock lobster. The major difference between a Maine lobster and a rock lobster is the size of the claw and antenna, On a rock lobster, the antenna is much larger, while the claw is pretty much nonexistent. In China, spiny lobsters are often stir-fried with a sweet and savory soy and ginger sauce to compensate for the more muted flavor of the meat. The Meaty Difference Between Spiny And Maine Lobsters. Which, fortunately, coincides with the short but fabulous Maine summer. Fresh-from-the-ocean lobster has its own unique flavor and aroma that cant be found anywhere else in the country (or even the world). These species are grouped into 12 genera, which include Palinurus, Panulirus, Linuparus, and Nupalirus ( word play on the family name). But lobster didn't always have such a posh reputation. Maine lobster is so irresistible they cant help but pull an occasional Hannibal Lecter. Boothbay Harbor has an actual lobster pier and there are restaurants on it. Youll want to make sure youre buying fresh lobster. The meat tastes better if only because they are fresher. Required fields are marked *, LobsterAnywhere.com, Inc. You can enjoy baked lobster as is, or you can add a sauce or stuffing to the meat. The Maine lobster gets its rich flavor from the cold, mineral-rich waters of the Gulf of Maine. The Atlantic Ocean, the Coast of Asia, the Caribbean Sea, and the South of Brazil. Much to the surprise of unprepared diners, when spiny lobsters are served in restaurants, they are not available whole, but only sold as tails. The smaller front claw is also used for directing food into the mouth. What Size Insulated Fish Bag Should I Buy? You can also just hold the edges and pull outwards and down with both hands, which should break the sides of the tail allowing you to open it up completely and get the meat out. Its usually served with melted butter (clarified), lemon and/or a homemade sauce. So if youre planning on getting your next lobster fix any time soon, here is a quick rundown of the differences between these cousins from the ocean. You can even pick your delivery date when ordering. On the other hand, the Maine lobster (Homarus americanus) is a crustacean with two large, strong, and unequal-sized claws for feeding. Spiny Lobster and Maine Lobster - Why are they different? Rather, its served with clarified butter. You can also check the bottom of the lobsters body. Maine Lobster live in the cold waters of the northern Atlantic Ocean from NewFoundland down to North Carolina. "That means Maine lobsters instead of California ones because Maine lobsters are cheaper.". font-size:80%; They prefer colder waters, and due to the change in water temperature, their populations are becoming more abandoned in their habitat. More sumptuous lobster meat is always the right answer. Well, you've come to the right place. The spiny lobster is often sold as just lobster tails. It may take a few years until it is the same size as the lost limb, but it will regenerate over time. A small female Lobster can have as many as 6,000 eggs while a large female can carry as many as 100,000 eggs! How you eat your lobster will likely depend on how you cook it. These species of Lobsters have a sweet and peculiar taste that differs depending on habitat. 100% real lobster with no added preservatives. Asides from writing, I enjoy surfing the internet and listening to music. "The problem is that as much as people talk about buying local, they actually buy based on the price.". That's how passionate he is about buying local.". They have strong claws used for feeding. Now that weve dived into some of the name differences and the different ways they cook up, lets break them down by species, starting with the Maine lobster. And of course, lobster rolls are a classic New England dish that celebrates everything that is delicious about Canadian lobster. It may have been how it was prepared, or it may be the water or simply the differences in species. 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. Lobster is known for being delicious, but which type is better and whats the difference? Where Maine lobsters use their ten legs, claws, and tail to travel the oceans depths, the rock lobster uses mainly its tail giving it a more muscular texture. The average beach price for Western Rock Lobsters . Theres plenty on the menu, but be sure to catch some lobster while youre there. The spiny lobster family includes the rock and langoustine lobsters. According to Marine Biology, they prey mostly on sea urchins. Today we will cook lobster and spiny lobster in three different ways and find out which one is tastier.Make sure that you have the bell turned on, so. 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. Now that your lobster is ready, your table is covered with newspapers, and youve got your clarified butter (and maybe your Saltines! Lobsters have the ability to regrow legs, claws, and antennae if they fall off due to injury or disease. 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. You can by live Maine lobster just about anywhere in the country but they don't eat in captivity and tend to shrink inside their carapace. California Lobsters are a species (one of the largest) of spiny lobster found on the coast from Monterey Bay, CA to Mexico. Are there lots of lobster traps outside? 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. You may have another species of lobster as there are about 60 species of Spiny Lobster around the world. If its green or yellow, the lobster is likely old and not safe to eat. These shellfish are remarkably buttery and sweet and their texture is known for being tender yet meaty and satisfying. The spiny lobster is often sold as just lobster tails. In addition, spiny lobsters earn their name because of the hard spikes running the length of their tail and bodies. Lets talk about boiled lobster. However, like spiny lobsters, they live in muddy caves, rock reefs, crevices, or burrows on the sea floors worldwide. The reason is that clarified butter has had all of the milk solids removed from it. Spiny lobsters have smaller claws that are inedible and long antennae, while Maine lobsters have shorter antennae but larger claws with edible meat. Their shell has green, black, and brown spots. - Spiny lobsters have a smaller size than Alaska lobster but larger than baby lobster, blue lobster. 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. There are 2 popular kinds of lobsters: Spiny Lobsters and Maine Lobsters/ Canada Lobsters. Why is clarified butter better than regular butter for lobster? Maine lobster is still somewhat plentiful thanks to limits on trapping, but like all crustaceans, they are on a downward spiral. 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. Remember, ignorance is not a get out of jail free card. The Atlantic Ocean, the Coast of Asia, the Caribbean Sea, and the South of Brazil. That said, wonderful spiny lobster can be found on plates all over the island. You may see rock lobsters called: Rock lobsters are noticeably less sweet than Maine lobsters. This is why some lobster shells will be so hard and thick, while others are almost pliable. - Alaska lobster meat has high nutritional value because it contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. 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. They are about 8 to 24 inches in length and may have a mass of over 20kg (44lbs). at the most vs. on a Maine lobster of 1 3/4 lbs. They can both be used in a number of ways to make a perfect dish. There is no difference in the taste or texture if you practice this more humane method. In Mexico, that percentage is estimated to be up to 99 percent. They are widely prized and valued because of their delicious claw meat, but their taste varies due to the respective habitats they live in. Spiny lobsters have small pointing spines covering their bodies for protection against predators, from which their name originated. If you are really lucky, you will be able to pull the meat out by using a fork. Call us at 978.225.8828. The orange is roe. It just goes to show you how delicious Maine lobster is that it still tastes good after that treatment! There are different ways to eat these little legs. Maine lobster is caught off the coast of New England in the Atlantic Ocean. .mobile-top-content { Make sure you have bowls because as you crack open your lobster, youll get a lot of water running out!