From the ocean floor to our plates and from claw to tail, there’s a lot to know about the world’s sweetest lobster. Learn more about the delicious staple that’s been hand-caught year-round on the coast of Maine for generations.
THE FISHERY
The Maine Lobster fishery is one of the oldest continually operated industries in North America, with the first documented catch dating back to the 1600s. Today, Maine is the largest lobster-producing state in the nation. Each year, the fishery:
- Employs 5,600+ independent lobstermen
- Harvests 100+ million pounds of lobster
- Contributes $1+ billion to the Maine economy
THE NUTRITION
Did you know lobster is lower in fat and calories than a skinless chicken breast? It is also high in protein and an excellent source of B12, copper, zinc and selenium. The regular serving size of lobster (3 oz) contains:
- 80 calories
- 0.5 g of fat
- 16 g of protein
NEW SHELL LOBSTER
During the summer and fall, lobsters shed their old shells and start growing into a new, larger and softer shells found underneath, which we call New Shell lobster.
THE TASTE: New Shell Maine Lobsters are sweeter and more tender than Hard Shell.
THE BENEFITS:
- More readily blends with new flavors
- Easier to crack
- Has a sweet “lobster-y” flavor
- Has a more tender meat
THE AVAILABILITY:
- Fresh/Live Lobster – June – November
- Frozen – Year-round
THE SUSTAINABILITY
Maine Lobsters are 100% hand-harvested from small dayboats, one trap at a time, to protect their quality and the marine habitat. To protect Maine’s coastlines and the lobster resource, Maine lobstermen:
- Return undersized and oversized lobsters to the sea
- Mark and return egg-bearing females so they will never be harvested
- Manage invasive species
- Use low-impact gear
DID YOU KNOW?
- The largest recorded Maine Lobster weighed 27 lbs!
- Maine lobstermen must complete a two-year apprenticeship before they can captain a boat.
- National Lobster Day is September 25.
- Lobster steamed in beer is delicious. It’s best with a pilsner or lager.
MORE TO LOVE WITH MAINE LOBSTER
From high-end to fast-casual, restaurants are featuring Maine Lobster in more and more dishes, like lobster mac n cheese and sushi. On average, adding “Maine Lobster” to a menu adds an average value of $7.70 per lobster dish.
To download our full fact sheet, go here.
