Maine Lobster Vs. Rock Lobster
Maine lobster and rock lobster are both crustaceans that live in the ocean, but they are not closely related. Both are revered for their sweet and tender meat and are an integral part of the commercial fishing industry. According to the State of Maine Department of Marine Resources, more than 69 million pounds of lobster were caught in Maine in 2008. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Types
There are two basic types of lobster: clawed and spiny. The most popular types of clawed lobsters are American and European lobster. Maine lobster is an American lobster that is caught in the waters of Maine. Spiny lobster also is known as rock lobster or langouste. In some countries, they also are referred to as sea crayfish.
Appearance
Clawed lobsters are so named because of the large front claws and pincers that they use to protect themselves. Instead of claws, Rock lobsters have very large front antennae that they use to communicate with each other and to protect themselves.
Geography
Clawed lobsters prefer cooler waters, while spiny lobsters prefer warm oceans. American lobsters can be found on the East Coast, from the Carolinas up to Canada's Newfoundland. Maine lobster, however, is found only in Maine.
Rock lobster is found in most warm ocean waters but is particularly prevalent in the waters off of California, New Zealand, Australia and the Bahamas.
Taste
Maine lobster meat is sweeter and more tender than rock lobster meat. Maine lobsters tend to be slightly larger and thus produce more meat than rock lobsters. A Maine lobster has meat in its tail, body and claws, whereas most of a rock lobster's meat is in the tail.
Culinary Uses
Since Maine lobster's meat is so sweet, it often is boiled, baked or grilled whole and served simply with melted butter. Rock lobster typically is used as lobster tails or canned or frozen lobster meat.
Popular lobster dishes are lobster bisque, lobster rolls, lobster macaroni and cheese, lobster salad and lobster Newburg.
