The American Lobster

Homarus americanus, more commonly known as the American lobster, often referred to as the Maine lobster, is the heaviest crustacean in the world. They can grow up to 64 cm and weigh over 20 kilograms (although you’ll see them anything from 20-60 cm). It takes around 7 years for them to reach an edible size but, left to themselves, some believe they can live over 100 years.

A live lobster is usually blue/green or green/brown in color, although a whole variety of shades have been reported including rare blue or yellow ones. Once cooked, however, they acquire the well-known brick-red colour.

Image: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blue-lobster-jane.jpg?uselang=en-gb

The Maine Lobster is generally caught with lobster traps in North America along the Atlantic coast, anywhere from Labrador to Cape Hatteras in North Carolina. The state of Maine is the largest supplier of lobster, hence the common lobster name.

It is believed that just 10% of lobsters coming across a trap will enter and only 6% of those will be hauled up. However despite this in excess of 200,000 tons of lobsters are caught every year around the world, generating a multi-billion-dollar industry and they are one of the most heavily fished creatures in the ocean.http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/lobster/

A gourmet delight

In the 17th and 18th centuries lobsters were so commonly caught in north-eastern America that they were used as fertilizer and some servants were lucky enough to be eating lobster more than twice a week!

Lobster has long been well-respected as a delicious delicacy which, justifiably, comes with a notable price-tag. The white meat is sweet and succulent and the Maine lobster is believed to be the best for eating.

Maine lobster for dinner.

It often forms part of some of the most expensive and elaborate dishes in the world. For example the ‘Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata’ served at Norma’s restaurant in Le Parker Meridien Hotel in New York (although it actually retails at the slightly more achievable price of $1000).
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKRDlWWxrck

Possibly you would prefer the world’s most expensive hotdog. Just $100 will catch you a foot-long ‘Dragon Dog’ made from Japanese Kobe beef, seared in olive and truffle oils, with shredded lobster and a secret sauce?

It’s perhaps unsprising to hear that lobster is increasingly recognised as an aphrodisiac. Maybe it doesn’t have the obvious benefits of correctly used Viagra, but the luxury of sharing lobster dipped in butter is bound to impress any date! In 1968 Dr George Belhan wrote ‘The Virility Diet: A Famous Doctor’s Advice on How to Remain Sexually Active Throughout Your Adult Life and recommend lobster to boost sexual health.

Health benefits of the Maine Lobster

Not only is lobster delicious, as with most seafood, it is also extremely healthy and very good for you as they are low in fat and carbohydrates, high in protein and rich in omega 3 as well as containing a whole host of vitamins and minerals.

A healthy balanced diet is low in fat and high in protein which makes lobster an excellent food for those who care about their bodies.

Omega 3 is what is known as a fatty acid. They are essential for normal metabolism and people have been taking fish-oils for bones and joints for many years. These same acids have, in recent years, been accredited with a growing number of other health benefits and there is a large body of research studying Omega 3.

Lobsters are rich in a number of beneficial nutrients:

  • Sodium – Important in the balance of fluid maintenance and blood regulation in the body as well as being important to the heart, nervous system and glucose absorption. Too little sodium can result in headaches, low blood pressure, and muscular cramps, amongst other things.
  • Potassium – An essential mineral for a healthy body especially in brain and nerve functions.
  • Phosphorus – The second most abundant mineral in the human body, about 80-90% can be found in the bones and teeth. Low levels of phosphate can cause muscle and neurological dysfunction.
  • Selenium – A strong antioxidant which protects from free-radicals whilst ensuring strong hair and nails.
  • Vitamin B12 – Essential for the correct production of red blood cells. B12 also helps to keep the nervous system running correctly. A deficiency in B12 can result in tiredness and lethargy and is a form of anaemia.
  • Vitamin E – Another antioxidant that protects the body from the damage free-radicals can do to cells potentially resulting in cardiovascular disease or cancer.

There is little doubt that Lobster is a gourmet food with a price tag to match, but it is abundantly clear that it well and truly deserves its reputation and the cost. It is an extremely nutritious, healthy food delivered with class and luxury that will save the waistline and perhaps improve your love life all in one delightful meal.