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Lobster is one of the most expensive items in some markets or regions. However, it also has different types and, therefore, prices. For instance, live ones are pricier than cooked, frozen, or lobster meat in cans or jars.
Here are some common ones:
American lobster
Also known as the Maine lobster, the homarus americanus lives in the cold Atlantic waters. Usually, prices range from $8 to $15 per pound when bought live in bulk. However, this price can triple when sold in small quantities to consumers. Others are sold as tails, meat, or processed, raising prices even more. Fresh, whole, or live Maine lobsters are the most costly, with prices averaging between $10 and $20 per pound. Prices can also reach $30 per pound during the festive season, like Christmas, New Year, or 4th July, mainly when the demand is high.
Spiny lobster
This one differs from the American one in that it has no claws. Instead, it has spiny, thorn-like protrusions on its shell. Commonly, they are found in warmer waters, such as the Caribbean or Mediterranean Sea. Spiny lobsters are also priced between $8 and $12 per pound when bought live in bulk.
Rock lobster
Rock lobsters are another name for jasus lobsters. They are also closely related to spiny lobsters. Thus, they look similar but are found in different habitats. Prices of rock lobsters also range from $15 to $25 per pound, depending on availability.
Prawns vs. lobster price
Even though both lobsters and prawns are crustacean types of seafood, they differ in taste, texture, and price. While both have their unique merits, lobsters are deemed more luxurious than prawns because they have tougher and meatier flesh than prawns, which is softer. Because of this, lobster meat is denser, expensive, and sought after compared to prawn meat, which can easily be overcooked and get mushy.
The price of canned lobster meat is decided based on several factors, including the type, quality, market demand, location, and season. The average cost of canned lobster is always lower than fresh or live lobster. This is because the canning process involves cooking, removing, and preserving the meat, which reduces its initial value. Freshly, high-quality canned lobster meat can cost between $20 and $40 per pound. Still, it is often more affordable than fresh or frozen options. On the other hand, low-quality lobster meat costs about $10 to $15 per pound. This is because it is usually found in regions further from the ocean or during times of year when lobsters are plentiful.
Canned lobster meat is versatile and can often be used in various dishes, such as lobster bisque, lobster rolls, lobster pasta, seafood salads, or stuffed shells. It can also be used as an ingredient in dip recipes to make lobster dip. Furthermore, it can be added to quiches or omelets for a more hearty meal.
Canned lobster meat is luxurious and a good substitute for fresh lobster. It has a longer shelf life and is more affordable than fresh or frozen lobster. However, it still offers similar delectable flavors and textures. It is pre-cooked or cooked, so it can be included directly in recipes without additional cooking. The primary downside of canned lobster meat is that it is often lower in quality than fresh or frozen lobster. This is because the canning process can lead to a softer texture and a less pronounced flavor. Despite this, high-quality canned lobster can be as tasty and tender as fresh.
Weighed by price per pound
The price of lobster refers to the worth or value of different types of lobster over time and in various places. This often looks like innovatieve vossen over a long time and in different places. For instance, it may be more expensive at some times, such as during festive days or in upscale hotels or restaurants, than ordinary days. In some places where it is farmed, the price of lobster is low than in places where it is naturally found.
Seasonal availability and handling intricacies
The prices of lobsters are also affected by their availability, such as whether they are in season or out of season. How lobsters are harvested, stored, and sold also influences their prices. For instance, lobsters that are poorly kept or handled are less expensive than those that are well handled. Also, lobsters that are sold in bulk are cheaper than those that are sold in smaller quantities.
Lobster roll is a good entry way
Even though lobsters are expensive, buyers can still enjoy them in cheaper ways, such as through a lobster roll. A lobster roll is a sandwich made with lobster meat served on a hotdog-style of shell or a keyboard style of bread. This is an easier, faster, informal, and cheaper way of enjoying the rich taste of lobsters without having to pay the high prices of having them alone as entrees in fine dining.
Staying cost-savvy with Maine Lobster prices
Maine lobsters taste fresh and sweet, with a slightly briny flavor due to its cold-water habitat. They are firmer than other lobsters, making them ideal for dishes where the meat is sautéed or stir-fried. Maine Lobster Prices are lower than those of other varieties, making them a more affordable option for consumers excited about the taste of lobsters.
A refrigerated, live lobster lasts between 24 and 48 hours. By proper storage and prioritization of freshness, the lobster price can even be lower than that of canned oysters.
Refrigeration
Keep the lobsters cool and moist in the refrigerator at 32°F to 39°F. It can be wrapped in damp newspaper, burlap, or seaweed to help maintain moisture.
Ice
Another method is to put them in a container with ice or ice-packed, which will keep them alive longer as it reduces their activity.
Shipping
Time or method of shipping: when shipping live lobster, choose an expedited shipping method and ensure proper packing.
Freezing
Live lobster kept in water can be frozen and will last for 6 to 12 months. There are also methods to freeze cooked lobster meat to retain its flavor and texture. The most common freezing methods are freezing cooked lobster tails, meat, or whole lobster.
Avoid freezing whole live lobster
While it is possible to freeze whole live lobster, it is not recommended because the meat loses quality when thawed. This is because freezing causes ice crystals to form in the meat, resulting in a watery texture.
Thaw carefully
Thaw frozen lobster in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water to preserve its texture and flavor. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can lead to bacterial growth.
Lobsters are dubbed luxury seafood due to their high prices, mild and sweet taste, firm texture, and low availability compared to other types of fish, like canned sardines. They are also hard to catch, perish fast, and require special and expensive culinary skills. In addition, they are mostly served in upscale restaurants with high-class clients.
Lobster is often linked with wealth because it used to be fed to Europe as a poor man's food. Europeans ate it with the hope of avoiding rats because, at that time, rats infested all the good food. Gradually, the way it was viewed changed to a delicacy enjoyed by royalty, thus associating it with wealth and status.
There are numerous benefits of lobster over other types of seafood, such as canned mackerel, even though it is more expensive than many other seafood. However, people still desire cheaper alternatives, including canned and frozen lobster, because they still want to enjoy the rich taste and texture without spending too much.
Unfortunately, due to the high expense of lobster, it is not easy to have it as a meal every day. However, it can occasionally be enjoyed without breaking the bank by taking advantage of special offers, rebates, or discounts on specific days.
