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Lobster
(Homarus americanus)
The lobster belongs to the crustaceans and the order of decapods.
Characteristics of the Lobster
The lobster is a very characteristic shellfish due to its large size and its two huge pincers.
Their dimensions usually go from 25 to 60 centimeters, when they are adults. It is considered one of the largest crustaceans, along with the king crab.
Lobsters have five pairs of legs, one pair of which are claws. They also have two long antennae and four shorter ones.
These claws have special functions: the thickest is used for crushing, and the thinnest is like small scissors for cutting. The claws are large and can cause damage, so they are tied when caught. This is why lobsters can become cannibals.
It has an elongated, straight body with a smooth, hard trunk.
The tail of this shellfish ends in a fan shape, which allows it to be distinguished at first glance from other decapods.
The lobster has the ability to regenerate its limbs, including its characteristic claws.
The color of the lobster depends mainly on its type, you can find them in dark blue or black color (Cantabrian lobster), or reddish color with brown tones (American lobster).
Lobsters' diet includes everything from small fish and mollusks to squid and octopus. They are nocturnal, solitary animals and can be aggressive.
To distinguish a female lobster, you have to look at its legs. The female has a wider tail than the male, as that's where the roe is housed.
Types of Lobsters
Broadly speaking, there are two types of lobsters classified by the area in which they are found.
El European lobster, also known in Spain as the Cantabrian lobster, is the one that has blue and black tones.
It is a type of lobster that is smaller and less striking than the American lobster, which usually stands out for its colors and size.
This species is very rare, one of the main reasons for its high price.
El American or Canadian lobster, known in America as American Lobster, is the one that has very striking reddish colors at first glance.
There is confusion because in America it is considered a lobster due to the translation, but it is actually a type of crayfish.
Although it is large and striking, its meat is less flavorful compared to European lobster.
There is a greater quantity of American lobsters; almost all of those distributed in markets are of this variety.
Nutritional values
As with any seafood, lobsters have some excellent nutritional properties.
| Nutrients | Quantity |
| Calories | 91 Kcal |
| Proteins | 18.3 gr |
| Total Fats | 2 gr |
| Saturated fats | 0.24 gr |
| Monounsaturated Fats | 0.38 gr |
| Polyunsaturated fats | 0.74 gr |
| Cholesterol | 150 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 0 gr |
| Dietary fiber | 0 gr |
| Sugars | 0 gr |
| Football | 60 mg |
| Iron | 0.7 mg |
| Potassium | 220 mg |
| Sodium | 270 mg |
| Vitamin C: | Tr |
| Vitamin A | Tr |
| Thiamine | 0.12 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.11 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.06 mg |
| Vitamin E | 1.5 mg |
**It is important to note that these values may vary slightly depending on the quality and freshness of the Lobster
However, as you can see, lLobsters are a great source of a multitude of vitamins, A, B, C and E, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium and iodine.
There are many recipes featuring lobster, and a single piece can add flavor to an entire recipe. Its meat and texture are highly prized in cuisines around the world.
Habitat
Lobsters live mainly in the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean, where they are found from the Lofoten Islands in northwestern Norway to the Azores and Morocco.
They can also live in the Mediterranean Sea and in the Black Sea. Although, they are found mostly in the north of the Atlantic.
Due to the weight of their shell, lobsters cannot swim, so they live between 2 and 50 meters deep.
They hide under stones or rocky bottoms until night falls and they go out to hunt for food.
Season and Fishing Gear
Lobster Fishing Season
The fishing season is very short, only lobster can be caught. between July and August.
Although it sometimes extends from June to the end of summer.
It is common to eat lobster at Christmas dinners, at the end of December.
Its scarcity and short capture period make it a product with high demand and low supply, thus raising its price.
It's difficult to keep it fresh during the seasons when consumption increases, which is why it's common to find deep-frozen lobster.
Deep-freezing lobster maintains its flavor and texture intact, keeping it in perfect condition for months.
Fishing Art
Lobster is caught with traps, traps and, to a lesser extent, with dragging techniques.
Nasas are narrowing fishing nets filled with bait. They are widely used for catching shellfish.
Recipes with Lobsters
Peppers stuffed with lobster
Frequently Asked Questions about Lobsters
Lobsters are very long-lived shellfish, which can live up to 100 years.
Normally, Lobsters typically live up to 50 years.
The oldest lobster ever found lived up to 140 years and weighed 11 kilograms.
It should be noted that when they are one year old they weigh approximately 1 kilogram, and they gain about 500 grams every ten years.
An average lobster can weigh 700 grams, although its weight varies between 350 grams and 1,5 kilograms.
Larger lobsters have occasionally been found, weighing up to 9 kilograms, but this is not common.
It's difficult to know which is more expensive because it depends on the type of lobster and the type of crayfish.
The European lobster is rare and has an exquisite flavor, which increases its price and is surely more expensive than many types of lobster.
However, the American lobster variety, which they call spiny lobster but isn't, is more affordable because it's not in short supply. If we're talking about prices directly, American lobster can be found for around €46/kg, and European lobster doesn't go below €85/kg.
Lobsters vary, but in Spain they can be found at a price of €60/kg.
Therefore, we confirm that The European lobster is more expensive than the spiny lobster but lobster is more expensive than American lobster.
The black part of the lobster is the roe, which is found in the lower part of the tail of the females.
Lobster roe is a deep black color and can help distinguish males from females, although only during spawning season.
With a pot filled with previously boiling water, you would only have to cook the lobster for 20 minutes.
This time may vary depending on the size of the lobster; if it is very small, reduce the time by 5 minutes, and if it is very large, add 5 more minutes.
