They are about 8 to 24 inches in length and may have a mass of over 20kg (44lbs). 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. 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. Some refer to them as American lobster or Northern lobster, but as expected by their most common name, they are plentiful in the northeastern coastal waters, from Canada to North Carolina, with their numbers drastically dwindling the further south they go. The key differences between spiny lobsters and Maine lobsters are their claws and antennae. The most obvious and well-known difference is the taste. Immediately, a moray eel poked its head out and I jumped back, conceding defeat. 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. It all starts with a name. Belfast offers several lobster cruises on lobster boats where you can also eat lobster rolls. Maine Lobsters are considered to have better taste because of the colder living environment. Maine Lobsters have a darker coloration of spots on their tails. In Australia and New Zealand, this family also includes crayfish. Read on to learn more about how to tell the difference between these types of Lobster. Others cut them with a knife. Right on the northern corner of Pigeon Point, Bumpkins brings a local vibe that ensures youre in for a real Antiguan vibe. Commonly-used names include the rock lobster, langouste, or langusta. Add lobster meat in a mound next to the shell opening and place lobster tails on a plate. Maine lobster is caught off the coast of New England in the Atlantic Ocean. We are on a scuba diving boat chartered by Ocean Safari at Santa Cruz Islandone of the Channel Islands off the coast of Southern California. 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. Delicious. 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. 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. Why do people choose Maine lobster vs other lobster? Not only are our live lobsters shipped overnight but so is all of our seafood. "It's because of the cost," Kate Masury, a recent Masters graduate at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego, says. 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! However, like spiny lobsters, they live in muddy caves, rock reefs, crevices, or burrows on the sea floors worldwide. So, the next time you see a package of lobster tails for sale at your local supermarket, chances are its spiny lobster. Though we don't get any bugs, there are still plenty of other fish in the sea. You might be thinking, lobster is lobster, it tastes great no matter what!Smoked lobster, steamed lobster, and baked lobster are all decadent, but there is a decided difference when serving up rock vs. Maine lobster. If the tank is full of dark reddish-brown shellfish with a smooth body and prominent claws, youre looking at true lobsters (yet another name for Maine lobsters). Here's an article with more facts about Lobster. Maine Lobster Claws have a clamp force of around 100 pounds per squarer inch! No one knows because it doesnt happen. They are warm water creatures and migrate to deeper waters in the winter. So if you are in a tropical warm water area you know with out a doubt that there will not be any Maine Lobster around. Although there is very little difference between Canadian lobster vs Maine lobster. There are lots of events and activities that take place during the festival, but the most famous event is the lobster cooking contest. Sometimes, diners can opt to order just the tail, where the sweet, tender meat is prized, but to do so is to miss out on the huge chunks of meat found in the claws, and some also in the body. Also keep in mind that this is a firmer meat so be careful of pounding it with high heat and over cooking it. 100% real lobster with no added preservatives. Spiny Lobster will have a lighter coloration of spots on their tails while. Their grill is guaranteed to be covered with all sorts of fish and wildlife (including the aforementioned crayfish), but for me, its gotta be the lobster! Lobster is almost a dietary staple in Maine. Spiny Lobster vs Maine Lobster: What Are The Differences? What is the difference between Maine lobsters and Florida lobsters? 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. Sometimes, this antenna can be longer than the body. } It is estimated that less than 1% of all of the eggs released from the female will make it to legal size. Answer (1 of 2): I don't disagree with you although I'm confident everybody in Massachusetts and Maine won't feel that way. Thicker shell. Every week, he flies himself to Bequia in the nearby Grenadines. Add lobster pieces and saut 5 minutes, or until mostly cooked through. But lobster didn't always have such a posh reputation. For this crustacean, the only edible part is the tail. Its no secret that we (Mainers) are obsessed with our native crustaceans. padding-top:5px;*/ As you might guess, Maine lobsters are found in Maine. It may take a few years until it is the same size as the lost limb, but it will regenerate over time. Slipper lobsters are a family ( Scyllaridae) of about 90 species of achelate crustaceans, in the Decapoda clade Reptantia, found in all warm oceans and seas. The spiny lobster is often sold as just lobster tails. It is now a more acceptable practice to kill them quickly just prior to putting them into the boiling water. Crayfish Vs Lobster: Habitat One of the differences between crayfish and lobster is their size. Make sure you have bowls because as you crack open your lobster, youll get a lot of water running out! Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Spiny lobsters have very little meat and are smaller than Northern lobsters. On the other hand, the Maine lobster (Homarus americanus) is a crustacean with two large, strong, and unequal-sized claws for feeding. Spiny lobsters have small pointing spines covering their bodies for protection against predators, from which their name originated. Pull all lobster meat from the rest of the lobster. Simply poach, steam, roast, or grill the lobster, add a drizzle of butter, and you have a meal thats guaranteed to impress. font-size:80%; The upside, according to Mainer, is that Spiny lobster tails actually have more meat than Maine ones. 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. See this Lobster Cooking Guide for an in-depth tutorial. 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. 95% of them are shipped to China, as that market fetches up to 3X more than local customers. Therefore, what do you think about the differences between Spiny Lobsters and Maine Lobsters/Canada Lobsters? You will generally boil lobster for 7 minutes for the first pound, and another 3 or so minutes for each additional pound. 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. Maine Lobster vs. Boston Lobster. 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. 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. There are about 60 Species of spiny Lobster. Cut lobster tail into 4 pieces with shell intact. They have no claws, and usually occur in warm sub tropical to tropical waters and usually have enlarged antennae. Unlike Maine lobster that protects itself with its impressive claws, rock lobsters fend off predators with forward pointing spines that cover their body. That's how passionate he is about buying local.". It is not uncommon for people to stick their live lobsters into a pot of boiling water. "It's hard to tell if that's affecting the lobster population.". They vary in color from nearly white to dark red or brown, and they often have dark-colored spots on their tail. Thank you ! You can always clean your lobster and store the meat in the refrigerator so you can make lobster rolls the next day, or eat it cold with clarified butter and crackers. It takes them about 2 years to grow to the 3-inch carapace (shell) legal-harvesting size. display: none; - The raw meat of spiny lobsters is white, crispy, sweet, and full of sea 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. Pour sauce over lobster and serve the rest in dipping bowls. Here, the waters are shallower than around Barbados and overflowing with coral reefs. Just kidding. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a saut pan over medium heat. Its the biggest festival in Maine and the longest-running culinary festival in the U.S. Discover The Worlds Oldest Lobster (140 Years Old!). Maine lobster is caught in much the same way that it was when the fishery first started but with a few modern technologies. When it comes to eating lobster at home, there are a few important things to keep in mind. 12 Oakland St. The reason is that there is very little edible meat outside of the tails since they lack the large claws that Maine lobsters have. Because they are somewhat alike, knowing where they can be found is an important factor in telling them apart. Its never been easier to have the freshest Maine lobster delivered directly to your door than with LobsterAnywhere. In California they are trucked to Los Angeles, where they are packaged up, and flown straight east. They are also called the "rock lobster," or "spiny lobster" and can be found mostly on the California coastline and the Caribbean. Even though they lack pincers, i.e., they do not have claws, they have a longer and spiny antenna relative to Maine lobsters. Some may possess a blue shell when born. As the lobster grows, there is space between its shell and the meat which gets filled with ocean water. 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. Decayed plants, small mollusks, snails, and fishes. We see this most clearly in the types of lobsters that youll find in restaurants. Dont worry; were here to answer all your questions. Spiny lobsters do not have claws, but long antennae and legs protruding from their bodies. 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. One look at both of these species side by side and you will be able to tell the difference. 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! Still, others use a rolling pin or its equivalent to roll the meat out of them. }, #mobileTopContentCTACarouselControls { overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap; }, .mobile-top-content .more { color: #fff; } Unlike rock lobsters where you can only cook the tail, the claws and knuckles of Maine lobster are prized for their sweet, succulent flavor and texture. Here are a few pictures of each Lobster below. Spiny lobsters have small pointing spines covering their bodies for protection against predators, from which their name originated. First, Spiny would flog Mr. Maine like a political prisoner, tie up those bulky claws with his antennae, and finally pin the scrawny beast with his strong, sharp tail. This is why some lobster shells will be so hard and thick, while others are almost pliable. 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. Young and juvenile lobsters can be found around coastal seaweed and rocky areas to avoid predators while adult lobsters migrate to deeper offshore areas. To begin with, if you love the succulent lobster claw, your only option is the Atlantic lobster from the north. Slipper lobster. 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. It depends on whether or not they are molting, and what stage they are at. They usually dine on clams, sea urchins, crabs, snails, small fish, and if hungry and desperate enough, other lobsters. There are a few obvious differences and a few subtle differences as well. color: #fff; If you want lobster to be a small part of a larger dish, theyll work well. 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. Theyre both meaty, but the rock lobster is much firmer, drier, and can easily become tough if overcooked. These traps will stay on the ocean floor for up to two days. Back at the boat, my scuba group and I do not manage to catch any lobsters. The Chinese, she says, aren't privy to clawed crustaceans and tend to prefer spiny ones. King's Seafood Co.mentions that Spiny lobsters are also harvested off the shores of California from October through March. The state produces more than 90 percent of the domestic supply of these tasty critters. Another difference between Maine Lobster and Spiny Lobster is where you will find each species. They are also a little more camouflaged so they can blend into the rocks and reefs that they live in. .mobile-top-content { "Catching lobsters, for me, is a combination of Christmas morning and Easter egg hunting," Hank Parfitt says, grinning. For us, though, one of the best places to sample some is Scilly Cay. There are a few more differences that will be good for anyone looking for either species of lobster to know. People took a liking to the sweet meat and suddenly, these "cockroaches of the sea," as they were called, became a gourmet item, one that people would travel to New England to eat. Saut onion, jerk seasoning, and sweet pepper in remaining melted butter and cook until onion turns translucent. Claws up and lets dive into the fascinating sea of lobster. That doesnt mean the Spiny lobster is bad. 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 meat tastes better if only because they are fresher. It just depends on their comfort level. So get that butter melting, pull out your lobster crackers, and lets swim through the basics. Maine Lobster vs. Spiny Lobster March 24, 2007 In a no holds barred cage match, Captain Spiny would crush Maine Man. Anomurans are superficially crab-like. Andy Rios, the divemaster in my group, spears a handful of calico bass and a large sheephead. The United States controls more ocean than any other country on earth, yet we. The largest of these animals can grow as big as 25 inches long and weigh up to 44 pounds, which means theyre the heaviest crustacean on earth. 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. Their texture is succulent and meaty, never dry or grainy. The spiny lobster family includes the rock and langoustine lobsters. This is an accurate description of a Maine lobster, except for the color; lobsters only turn red when they are cooked. They are not true lobsters, but are more closely related to spiny lobsters and furry lobsters. Lobster has become so entwined with the culture and cuisine of Maine that the state even hosts an annual lobster festival. According to Masury, seafood buyers in China initially preferred the Australian spiny lobster. 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. The second thing to look at is the spots on the tail. This lobster's habitat ranges from South Carolina to Brazil. 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. There are many types of lobsters. .mobile-top-content { So which one tastes better? Pound for pound, spiny lobster has more meat than New England lobster does. You will often see these antennae sticking out of the rocks well before you can see any other part of the Lobster. See a Gator Bite an Electric Eel With 860 Volts, See Dominator The Largest Crocodile In The World, And As Big As A Rhino, Discover the Largest Sea-Dwelling Crocodile Ever Found (Bigger than a Great White! Some stores will even cook the lobster you purchase from them for free. If you want a luxurious lobster meal, these arent the lobsters youre looking for. Since the waters in Canada are colder than the waters off of Maine, Canadian lobsters have thicker, harder shells.
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