What US state is known for lobster?
At present, Maine is the largest lobster producing state in the nation. Early reports suggest that the first lobsters were caught in 1605.
Most U.S. harvest is caught in inshore waters. There's a reason we associate Maine with lobsters—the state has led American lobster landings for over 3 decades. Massachusetts is the second leading producer. Together, these two states produce 93 percent of the total U.S.
Shediac is recognized the world over as "The Lobster Capital of the World" for its lobster fishing industry.
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.
The lobsters sold at retailers outside of New England are most often hard-shell lobsters, which command a premium price and are hardy enough to be shipped long distances. For now, the excess supply in Maine has driven retail prices to under $4 a pound for the smallest of the soft-shell lobsters.
While warm water lobsters have their own unique qualities and are enjoyed by locals in various regions, Maine lobsters remain unrivaled in their size, meatiness, and flavor. Their cold-water environment gives them a distinctive taste and texture that has made them a beloved delicacy around the world.
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. With a flavor profile that goes unmatched, it is no wonder why many prefer it over other species of lobster.
Did you know that 90% of the country's lobster supply comes from Maine? The state produces 100 million pounds of delicious lobster each year – caught by local fishermen who carry on the tradition.
Maine has earned a reputation for having some of the best lobster on the East Coast—not an easy feat to pull off in a region known for its fantastic seafood. Head to one of the many traditional Maine lobster shacks on the coast and prepare to get messy.
Shediac (official in both languages; Shédiac is colloquial French) is a heavily Acadian town in Westmorland County, New Brunswick. The town is home to the famous Parlee Beach and is known as the "Lobster Capital of the World".
Why is Maine lobster so expensive?
Lobster Season is Only a Few Months
In some states (like Maine), lobsters are caught all year, but their actual season only lasts a few months. In Maine, the peak season is from July through November. During this time is when lobsters are most active and easier to catch, offering farmers a significant return.
Lobsters are harvested year-round in Maine and New Hampshire; however, the majority are caught between late June and late December, when the lobsters are the most active. Lobsters are also harvested during the winter and early spring months but in smaller quantities.
Lobster is the most unique export in Maine, known for its characteristically large claws.
Prices will peak in early spring, but as the weather warms, lobster fishing picks up and prices drop in May and June. May is typically one of the best month of the year to buy live lobsters. The supplies are very good as the demand from summer resorts has yet to kick in.
Lobster is generally more expensive than crab, but king crab legs can sometimes sell for more than a whole lobster, as they are full of sought-after white meat and typically contain more meat than whole lobsters, pound for pound.
When it comes to price, king crab is generally more expensive than lobster. This is because king crab is more challenging to catch and harvest than lobster, and it's also less abundant. As a result, it's often considered a more luxurious and exclusive option than lobster.
Red Lobster buys Maine lobster live, which is how they are almost always sold. These are the most sought after type of lobster, being the most succulent and having the best texture and flavor.
The New England lobster, scientifically known as Homarus Americanus, is characterized by its large claws and is revered for its sweet, tender, and succulent meat. This species possesses a more refined flavor than the related European lobster, Homarus Gammarus, or the clawless warm-water spiny lobsters.
Due to the warm water the rock lobster dwells in, it tends to be a bit brinier in taste. Conversely, Maine lobsters are known for more of a clean, sweet taste. So if clean, delicate, and sweet is the criteria you're looking for in your lobster, there's nothing better than Maine lobster!
Most believe that a Maine lobster wins the "taste" competition hands down as the taste is more pronounced and somewhat sweet while the taste of a Florida lobster is a bit blander. If you order a lobster tail in a restaurant, more likely than not it's a Florida lobster.
What is the difference between a Maine lobster and a 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. If you've ever had a Maine lobster before, the claw has the most tender meat, which is why we prefer the Maine lobster.
Whether you prefer your lobster steamed or boiled, Maine is the place to be for the freshest and most delicious lobster you'll ever taste.
According to Guinness World Records, the heaviest crustacean ever recorded was an American lobster caught off Nova Scotia, Canada, weighing 20.1 kg (44.4 lb). The closest relative of H. americanus is the European lobster, Homarus gammarus.
They found that, on average, male European lobsters live to 31 years old, and females to 54. There were a few exceptions: one particularly long-lived female had was found to be 72 years old. Lobsters certainly do not live forever.
Most lobsters that you see in a grocery store or at a restaurant are at least 5-7 years old and weigh about 1-2 pounds. But lobsters can be much bigger and much older. They could live to be over 100 years old!
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