south african lobster vs maine lobster
Different factors affect them and influence the taste of lobster. This species is large, capable of growing up to 20 inches or more in a relatively short time frame. What Is the Best Quality Beef in the World, 4 Best Tasting Freshwater Fish (And How To Prepare Them). Is There a Difference Between a .38 and a .38 Special? Depending on the size of the lobster, it will take 10-12 minutes. 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. When it comes to choosing the best lobster, youll find many subjective opinions on the matter. Maine lobsters are commonly sold in restaurants and supermarkets with an average price of about $50/pound or more. North Australian You can find them in the Indo-Pacific, Caribbean, warmer parts of the Atlantic and in the aquarium. For more, check out 4 Best Tasting Freshwater Fish (And How To Prepare Them). The taste is velvet-like and almost buttery. They can also be found with yellow spots on their abdomen. The flavor has been described as similar to crawfish. South African Palinurus Gilchristi Market Name (s): Spiny Lobster, Gilchrist Spiny Lobster, Southern Spiny Lobster Primary Source (s): South Africa Season: Year Round Size Range: 4 oz through 20 oz (Tails) [wpv-woo-product-image size="600" gallery_on_listings="yes"] Description Frozen at sea, sweet, succulent, meat. Now, you can enjoy lobster almost anywhere in the world but you will pay a premium for it. Similarly, Maine lobsters are easier to get between June and October, while Canadian lobsters are the best to go with outside that window. It is often named as the best lobster on any seafood menu. Like other warm water lobsters (and contrary to their cold water equivalents), the Florida spiny lobster lacks claws (via the Gates Hotel). 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. Interestingly, lobster harvesting laws in Maine only allow you to catch lobsters weighing a minimum of 1.25lbs (0.57kg). If the answer is yes, you should know what types of lobster you usually get. Burrata and Beet Salad. The boat goes out for a month-long fishing trip, and the crayfish caught along the journey must be frozen to keep them fresh. They grow slower than Caribbean lobster, and this influences the overall taste. To ensure freshness, make sure that you know the molting season of the lobster that you want to get. The best lobster is the highly-rated cold-water Maine lobster scientifically known as Homarus americanus. Available in 2 oz.-20 oz. African lobster meat is sweet and succulent. . 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. Estimated Reading Time: 7 mins. They live in the mud and are tricky to cook, thats why their meat is not the best among all types of lobster. Of course, a lot has to do in how the lobster is prepared so there are variibles. Also, where it is from determines the amount of time it would take to transport it and its logistics. The taste is smooth and delicate. This water-loaded flesh has a different flavor. Of course, Maine lobsters getting rave reviews also mean Canadian lobsters are more competitively priced in most places. The California spiny lobster is another lobster found on American coastlines, albeit on the west coast as opposed to the east. Average Price (Frozen Shipped): $65/lb. This nocturnal species spends the day hidden in reefs and sub-aquatic caves, and comes out at night to feed. The tails can come from species known as rock or spiny lobsters or from Maine lobsters, and they wont mind. The Western Rock Lobster Council has a recipe for a "Western Rock Lobster Pappardelle," which involves taking four of the lobsters' tails, cutting them in half, taking out the digestive tract, removing the meat from the shell, and cutting the meat into small pieces and frying with olive oil, garlic, and parsley before mixing them with pasta. The prices quoted for their products abroad mean that they typically cant sell at prices commonly seen for other types of lobsters, especially the Maine Lobsters. And have you tried it? The more complicated something is to get, the more sought-after it will be. When you hear Boston lobster, theres a high chance the individual is referring to a Canadian or Maine cold-water lobster. 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. Hey, Im Jim, and the author of this website. When most people think of warm-water lobsters, they think of the giant Florida or Caribbean spiny lobster with a huge tail and no claws. choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. 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. lobster meat. 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 shell of these lobsters can be either red or green, and they can be caught throughout the year. Maine Lobster Tails . The steak was cooked and seasoned to . Lets get into it! The meat from this lobster is pretty smooth and yet firm as well. The most ideal water temperature for Caribbean lobsters to spawn is 73 degrees F (23 degrees C), which means during April and October. You can virtually identify the differences between the rock lobster and the Maine lobster at first glance. As there aren't any meaty claws on the South African lobster anyway, anyone who isn't a major tomalley fan won't be missing out here. Instead of having big front claws, warm water lobster comes with a front set of legs that look like an oversized antenna. They have sweet, smooth meat and firm white flesh and are sold to markets around the world, especially in Asia. Still, it is an interesting alternative to simply boiling the meat in salt water. Whether youre making grilled lobster, ravioli, or bisque, its always nice to use the best lobster possible for the occasion. Tristan lobster tails, for many lobster connoisseurs, is renowned as the best in the world! Australian lobsters, like most other warm water lobsters, don't have front claws. Often referred to as the South Coast Lobster or South African Lobster, this type of lobster is only found off the shores of South Africa. African. Steam, or boil and enjoy inside the shell, or remove the meat and use in salads, and on top of pastas. While the lobsters will still be edible, the time spent in transit often translates to lower quality overall because the lobsters consume their nutrients in captivity. There are also subtle differences in flavor, even among closely related varieties. They both belong to the Homarus americanus family. Maine lobsters are known by their classic exoskeleton, while Florida lobsters dont have these and are known as spiny lobsters due to their long, spiny antennae. Although they are in-season year-round, the government maintains a quota that makes this type of lobster rarer than others. Some people prefer lobster tail because it offers a lot more flexibility when it comes to cooking. 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). Both methods take less than 15 minutes. You can also find them along the North American coast. The meat is firm, and the flavor is mildly sweet. The City University of Hong Kong describes the species as "generally green," with small white spots and numerous spines. It takes more time for them to grow than Caribbean lobsters. It shows theyve been there for a while because lobsters eat each others antennae when they are in a confined space. And getting them at the right time can significantly influence how fresh they are. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. The New Zealand lobster comes from the South Pacific coastal deep waters. To cook lobster tails like a pro, first thaw the frozen tails in the refrigerator for 24 hours. This is one of the largest types of lobster found on the coast from California to Mexico. There is no surprise when Canadian lobsters are on top of the list for cold water lobsters. Jasus lalandii, the Cape rock lobster or West Coast rock lobster, is a species of spiny lobster found off the coast of Southern Africa. Slipper Lobsters come with a flat face and they dont have front claws. It is this size and their "outstanding taste" that has led to the ornate spiny lobster being widely fished and eaten (via Sea Unseen). 6 photos. Generally, they are less expensive and the main source of meat is from the tail. They are also called the rock lobster, or spiny lobster and can be found mostly on the California coastline and the Caribbean. Calories: 97. Check the internal temperature (135-140F) to ensure the tails are cooked throughout. Maine lobster tails have smooth and plain-colored shells compared to their warm-water friends. Read on! No matter what youre in the mood for, youll find something to suit your tastes at our Key Biscayne seafood restaurant. The lobster farming practice, which involves capturing young lobsters and then fattening them up, started midway through the '90s and grew from there (via Namnam.net). As a result, the standards for quality are extremely high, and the lobsters are protected until they are harvested at their peak adult condition. Both areas produce and export the same species of lobsters (Homarus americanus) with slight differences in the meat density, flavor potential, and thickness of the shells. As mentioned above, lobsters are best eaten fresh from the ocean. Lobster Anywhere provides instructions on the amount of salt to add and the time you need to boil your lobster. Be careful not to overcook the delicate meat, though, especially as the protective shell is no longer present. Maine Lobster Tails- Homarus Americanus. One of the reasons this type of lobster is most popular is that it has more meat to go around the table. They also differ in appearance, size, habitat, taste, and lifespan. There is one thing about South African lobsters that can confuse you. When boiling an Eastern rock lobster, you should weigh it, then aim for one minute per hundred grams plus an additional two minutes. Homarus gammarus, which is also known as the European lobster, French blue, or common lobster, is a distinct species of lobster found in the seas around Europe. Add to Compare. That means hard shell lobsters can be transported further and kept alive longer than soft shell lobsters. Live Lobster Dinners. Unlike the more delicate soft shell lobsters, hard shells are durable enough to be grilled so you should consider buying a few if you're a fan of seafood BBQs (via Lobster Anywhere). Lobsters are usually twice as big as Norway lobsters, and when cooked have a darker red color. Theyre known as crayfish or kreef locally. South African Lobster Tails . Our menus feature a delicious variety of seafood dishes, including chilled lobster tail, lobster and shrimp risotto, and a surf and turf entree with a butter-poached lobster tail. Youre more likely to find packaged lobster tails for this reason. If you want to enjoy true lobsters, you must buy this type. However, they are tender and are flavor-rich. Both Maine and South African lobsters have a sweet flavor, though many people describe South African lobster as having a more pronounced taste. Due to the density of their meat and the thickness of their shells, Canadian lobsters lend themselves well to harsher cooking methods. 9 Best Types of Lobster [Maine, Slipper, Caribbean & More], What Factors Affect the Flavor of Lobster, 16 Best Types of Cheese [Soft, Hard & Mild Varieties], 7 Best Oyster Sauce Substitutes [Easy Ingredient Alternatives]. Make sure your water doesn't begin to boil, if the eggs are being jostled around turn the heat down slightly. They are often called sea crayfish. There are two large cream-like spots on the top of the second half of the shell. The flavor profile is sweet and briny with a rich taste all at the same time. You should also avoid pregnant lobsters as they arent quite as good tasting. 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. Place the baking sheet with lobster tails unto the over, centering it under the broiler. Wholesale Customers. 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. Both Maine and South African lobsters have a sweet flavor, though many people describe South African lobster as having a more pronounced taste. Our South African Cold Water Lobster Tail is a premier species of lobster tail around the world. However, the denser shells also mean that Canadian lobsters can survive a bit longer out of the waterup to 72 hours. How many people would want to pay for a pack of lobster claws knowing that around 80% of the weight isnt edible? The crustacean has become a bit harder to source after being identified as "vulnerable" by theIUCN in 2013. . This will depend on where you buy them. The management of the South African lobster industry is incredibly strict to protect this special species, however the majority of lobsters that are caught in South Africa are . Whether you buy seafood from a market, store, or catch it yourself, proper handling and storage is essential to maint For seafood lovers, crab legs are a dish not to be missed. The key differences between spiny lobsters and Maine lobsters are their claws and antennae. However, no Are you looking for something to serve with your elegant lobster tails? The meat from cold water lobsters is whiter than what you will find on other lobsters. . So, if youre getting yours from a store closer to where the action is, youre likely to get fresher products overall. The smaller, more tender, and younger lobsters have more flavor than the older ones with tough meat. Tel: +1 (207) 772-3565. Lobster Meat Dinners. So, youll need to first decide what category you fall into. Obviously, they are warm water lobsters because they have long appendages and no claws. These are often commercially sold and shipped across the globe. They grow slower than Caribbean lobster, and this influences the overall taste. The Rigel 4 crew processes the kreef they catch by blast freezing them under 20 minutes after being caught to prevent excessive handling and thawing/rethawing. Smaller-sized lobsters generally taste better and have more distinct flavors. They also have softer textured meat as compared to hard shell lobsters, which have firmer meat. Nothing else even comes close. This is important because due to the demand and price, poaching businesses thrive in this region. We surveyed over 54786 reviews from the most reliable sources to find out what people think about their experience with this product, and here are our top 10 south african lobster vs maine lobster. According to the Journal of Crustacean Biology, the scalloped spiny lobster (Panulirus homarus)inhhabits the waters around India, Asia, and the east of Africa. Each tail will often cost about $25 -$35 or about $45 $60 per pound. It is found mostly in Maine but also in the waters between North Carolina and Eastern Canada. Many experienced lobster enthusiasts agree that this is the right size to look at for the best tasting meat. The taste is mildly sweet and also quite meaty. Also known as the Caribbean lobster, the Florida spiny lobster is a common sight on menus from Key West to Kingston. Contrary to its name, the Mediterranean lobster can be found as far away as the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland. Add to Cart. Buying Maine lobsters directly from the source is the recommended way to get the best ones. The West Coast Rock Lobster is the more commonly known species amongst South African consumers. As a result, transporting them away from the coastal areas they are caught in is extremely difficult. Maine lobsters also have meat in the tail. Like the Maine lobster, the Canadian lobster is also of the genus Homarus americanus, meaning they're the exact same species (via The Ocean Mart). 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. Warm-water lobster tails contain more meat in them than cold-water lobster tails, but it is mushier and not as easy to handle. 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. 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. The maxim length is up to 24 inches and they are very popular in China. THIS IS A REAL TREAT NOT TO MISS! As we had to explain to some of our staff, the further away you get from the equator, the colder the waters. The best types of lobster for your next recipe. As such, it feels like youre getting more value for your money, with more meat per pound. How many types of lobster are there? Just one bite will convince you that no other lobster compares. 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. One of the more promising actions has involved restocking areas where fishing is prohibited with below-legal size lobsters. Because it is the most sought after, the Maine lobster is the most expensive type of lobster commonly found. They are very small and often known for their coloring instead of their meat. When most people think of cold-water lobsters, they think of the classic Maine lobster with two claws. Cook until the meat is white and opaque. 6 oz. It used to be served in several prisons. Scripps Institution of Oceanography graduate Kate Masury claims the Chinese prefer clawless lobster species to their cold water counterparts. The answer for What to serve with lobster ta How To Reheat Crab Legs To Keep Them Delectably Juicy In 2022? . Along with the shell, spikey bits protrude from the shell, and are used as a defense mechanism, to protect them in the wild. What To Serve With Lobster Tails? It is a 3-week boat ride to the clean waters off the South African coast. In fact, while growing up, I spent more time on the water than on land! While tenderness is often a common reason for people choosing one part over the other, there are a couple more possibilities to consider. Additionally, 100% of South African lobsters are wild-caught. Cold Lobster tails are a product of 19th and 20th century industrialization and migration, as it gained popularity when its lovers started . So, a lobster with very long antennae is most likely still relatively fresh. - 7 oz. whole lobster, $25/lb. Maine cold-water lobsters are highly prized and famous all over the world, for their sweet, tender, succulent and best-textured flesh. BEHIND THE PRODUCT: South African Lobster is also known as Cape Lobster, or spiny rock lobster. They are just not as popular on the commercial circuits. Delicious and lovely but always fairly common. However, those with hard shells tend to have more meat as lobsters fill out the hard shells better. Maine Lobster (North American Hardshell Lobster) . Additionally, TheEatDown.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Check this link for Langoustines Recipes. The lobster tail is fibrous because it gets a lot of exercise over the lifespan of the lobster, as its the primary means of locomotion. The African Lobster has a bright red shell compared to the brown shell of American lobsters. 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. You basically get a tail, about 1/2 of a lb. They have distinctly flat faces. Besides, claw meat can be tastier than tail meat. It can also be found in the Gulf of Mexico and will cost you on average $30 a pound depending on whether they are frozen or fresh. In terms of taste, the lobster's meat is described as having a creamy, sweet flavor. The meat is also denser. When we talk about the best type of lobster, particularly in the category of cold-water lobsters, most people think of the classic Maine lobster. Anyone for a lobster? 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. I always tell people they are better off buying two 1-pound lobsters instead of one 2-pound lobster. The Chinese spiny lobster, also known as the Hong Kong rock lobster or Panulirus stimpsoni, is a small species of warm water lobster that tends to be net caught and sold in local markets. Due to their smaller size, you may want to make Tristan lobster tails the center piece of a seafood combination plate" (via Seafood Connection). It is spiny and lacks claws, which you may believe makes it essentially the same as any other rock or warm lobster, but you'd be wrong.. There are also two types of Maine . This lobster is from the northwest coastal parts of Australia and also in New Zealand. And they have a good reputation for having muscular tails with a unique flavor. This variety of lobster has been described as having a "sweet, succulent flavor and a plump texture beyond compare." The South African lobster is a pretty unique species. On the other hand, some people dont mind the type of lobster meat they get as long as its well cooked, and they have a sizable, juicy tail to munch on. They have juicy and succulent claw meat and lots of it. Be sure to fully defrost the lobster tails and cook until the meat is just opaque. It's located in the frigid waters of the South Atlantic Ocean between South Africa, Argentina, and Antarctica. No lobsters have permanent soft shells. This debate has been raging for a while, with many different reasons for each choice. You can expect New Zealand lobster to cost about $50-$60 a pound on average. However, this only tells you if the lobsters have recently shed their exoskeleton. Lobster Gram is one of the few places where you can order South African lobster tails delivered straight to your door! At the same time, the live lobster will be about $20 a pound. Maine lobster possesses a sweet briny richness, with an extremely fibrous and firmer tail meat. Caribbean lobsters are smaller and not as tasty in the 4-5 times we have had them over the years, you won't typically get a choice between one or the other, on a Maine lobster of 1 3/4 lbs, If you haven't experimented with the South African Lobster tail, this. The most sought after lobster tail. These tails are firm with a sweet taste. It is also known as Atlantic lobster, Canadian lobster, true lobster, northern lobster, Canadian Reds, [3] or Maine lobster. A 2-pound lobster can be 6-10 years old. In the Bahamas, lobster season is from August until the end of March. For distribution and pricing | Non Eu Our South African Cold Water Lobster Tail is a premier species of lobster tail around the world. 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 habitat's water temperatures and depth. The cold water surroundings also give the lobster meat a softer taste and feel overall. South African rock lobster tail is rose-colored, lives in cold water and grows slowly. Rock lobster tails are commonly sold in grocery stores, while Maine lobster tails are a bit rarer. Langoustine season runs from September to May, and the most common fisheries are in the North Sea, close to Norway, Scotland, and off the north east coast of England.