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Cold Water Lobster Tails
Cold water lobsters are highly sought after, and therefore, they have expensive tails. They are captured in extremely cold areas, like the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. Cold water lobsters feature meat that is firm, sweet, and has a slightly rough texture. Their tails are ideal for grilling, baking, and broiling since the meat holds its shape well.
Warm Water Lobster Tails
Warm-water lobsters are found in slightly warmer waters and are generally less expensive than their cold-water counterparts. These lobsters are often harvested in regions like the Caribbean, Latin America, and parts of the southeastern United States. Warm-water lobster tails are generally softer and less sweet compared to cold-water varieties. However, they are still versatile and suitable for various cooking methods.
Tail from Spiny Lobsters
Spiny lobsters are easily identified by their long, spiny antennae and lack of claws. The tails of spiny lobsters are more widely available and often less expensive than clawed lobster species. These lobsters are found in warm seas, including the Caribbean and Mediterranean regions. Spiny lobster tails are smaller, with a more subtle flavor than Maine lobster, but they are still tasty when prepared properly.
Tail from Australian Lobster
Australian lobsters include both red and green species, which are native to Australian waters. The tails of these lobsters are less common in international markets, though they are highly prized in Australia. Their meat is tender and slightly sweet, and they are excellent for grilling and steaming.
Tail from Tahitian Lobster
Tahitian lobsters are available across the Pacific Islands and are known for their bright colors and flavorful tails. The lobsters have a mild, sweet taste, and the tails are often used in local dishes or exported fresh. They are highly regarded for their delicate flavor and tender meat.
Lobster Tails from Langoustine
Though not true lobsters, langoustines are closely related to lobsters and provide prized tails. Harvested mainly in European waters, langoustine tails are delicate, sweet, and slightly nutty. They are usually more expensive due to the labor-intensive process of catching them.
The following gives buyers some useful tips on selecting whole lobster tails in bulk online:
Consider Freshness
Fresh lobster tails will have a clean, slightly ocean-like smell. Any strong or unpleasant odor signals the meat is no longer fresh. If the tails are frozen, ensure they have been properly sealed and do not have freezer burn.
Examine Color
A healthy lobster tail is usually a dark shell that turns red once the lobster is cooked. If the tail is raw, it is equally important to observe the color of the meat. The raw meat should be pale and white. Any discoloration or darkening indicates poor quality meat.
Look for Firm Texture
Buyers should opt for lobster tails with a firm, slightly tough texture. Soft or mushy tails indicate that the meat is likely overcooked or thawed and refrozen. They might also be stale if they've been sitting around for a long.
Ensure they are Curved
The body of a lobster is elongated, meaning its tail should naturally curve. If the tail is flat, it is likely from a dead lobster and should not be purchased. Therefore, buyers must take note of the shape.
Ask about Sourcing
Lobsters are a delicate seafood that goes bad pretty fast and poses health hazards if consumed past their prime. Buyers should ask where the supplier gets their lobsters from and the techniques they use to keep them fresh. Lobsters from reliable sources will be from clean waters and harvested sustainably. The supplier should also provide traceability information to determine freshness.
Check Packaging
Go for lobster tails that come in sturdy, waterproof packaging to retain their freshness and prevent spillage. Lobster tails should also be tightly packed to prevent movement and consequent bruising, which affects the texture of the meat. Look for packages that offer different grades of lobster so it's easy to choose the desired size and quality.
When purchased in bulk, it becomes inevitable to use the right techniques to store lobster tails for long. The following techniques can be used to keep lobster tails fresh, tasty, and safe for over an extended period:
Keep it Cool
After buying lobster tails in bulk, it's time to chill the refrigerator and keep them at around 32 to 34°F. Only store live lobster in this temperature range since any temperatures above 40°F will slow down their metabolism. For cooked lobster, meat can last up to 3-5 days in the fridge, while whole cooked lobsters can last up to 4 days. Lobster tails take up a lot of space in the fridge. Therefore, it might be more convenient for some people to store them in a fridge in a cooler full of ice in the same temperatures above.
Refuse the Water Bath
While it's okay to rinse other things and put them in the freezer, water will stress lobsters and make them die faster. Freezing cooked lobster is okay, but the meat must be tightly wrapped in plastic, aluminum foil, or placed in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn. Some people might prefer freezing the whole lobster, which is also possible. Just wrap the lobster in the same way and place it in a sealed bag. Lobster can last in the freezer for a maximum of 6 months.
Avoid stashing near strong foods
Both live and raw shelled lobster meat is very sweet and tends to absorb strong smells and flavors from nearby foods. Store it as far away as possible from foods such as garlic, onions, and fish in the fridge to maintain its taste.
Seal the Rump
Lobsters naturally breathe through openings in their shells known as gills. When the gills dry out, the lobster suffocates and dies. Therefore, when storing live lobsters in the fridge, bury them under a damp cloth or seaweed to keep the gills moist. Alternatively, place a wet paper towel inside an open container and cover it with a lid to store in the fridge. For those storing live lobsters in a cooler full of ice, the ice will trap moisture and create a wet environment that keeps the lobsters alive longer.
Don't keep them together
If the bulk order contains both live and raw shelled lobster tails, it is necessary to store them separately. Live lobsters continue to excrete waste, which contaminates the surrounding water and poses a food safety risk to raw lobster meat. Store live lobsters in a separate container and compartment in the fridge away from raw lobster tails to avoid cross-contamination.
Great source of protein
A 3-ounce serving of lobster tails provides about 26 grams of protein, which is a great addition for bodybuilders looking to boost their protein levels without adding too much fat to their diet. Lobster tails are harder to find compared to other meats, which makes them more of an interesting twist on the usual protein sources like chicken, beef, and fish.
Great source of omega 3 fatty acids
Both cold-water and warm-water lobsters have good amounts of omega 3 fatty acids in their tails. Omega-3s play a crucial role in heart health since they reduce the risk of heart diseases by helping to lower cholesterol levels. Omega 3s also promote brain function by boosting cognitive processes and reducing the risks of diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Loaded with minerals and vitamins
Lobster is rich in vitamins B6 and B12, which support red blood cell production and nerve function. This translates to increased energy levels. The meat is also of vitamin C, which among its many benefits, supports the immune system and skin health. Lobster tails are a great source of minerals like zinc, magnesium, and potassium, which are essential for overall body functions.
Culinary Versatility
Lobster tails are often grilled, steamed, or baked, allowing for a variety of delicious preparations. In most cases, the meat is sweet and tender, and buyers can use it in multiple gourmet dishes.
High Market Demand
Lobster tails are popular in upscale restaurants and hotels, making them a lucrative product for wholesalers. With increasing consumer interest in seafood, demand for live lobster tails for sale continues to rise.
Sustainable Sourcing Options
Buyers can choose from certified sustainably sourced lobster tails, especially if buying from suppliers in North America, Atlantic, or Pacific Ocean regions. Sustainability is a great factor for many buyers and consumers, and it profits wholesalers to capitalize on the growing market for eco-friendly seafood.
Long Shelf Life
Frozen or properly refrigerated wholesale lobster tails have a long shelf life, making them easy to store and transport. Long storage means wholesalers can bulk purchase seafood and sell it over a long period without the fear of it going bad.
High Profit Margins
Since wholesale lobster tails are a delicacy and in demand, restaurants and retailers are willing to pay a premium, so wholesalers can enjoy high-profit margins. This makes selling the tails a worthwhile business endeavor.
The tail of the lobster has a slightly sweeter taste than shrimp, with a rich, delicate flavor. On the contrary, shrimp have a more pronounced briny taste, which varies depending on the water they are harvested from. Lobster meat is firmer and more succulent, while shrimp have a slightly fibrous texture, especially larger varieties.
While cooking lobster too long doesn't necessarily pose a health risk, it impacts its flavor and texture. Overcooked lobster becomes tough, rubbery, and lacks the sweet, delicate taste associated with well-prepared lobster. Too much cooking also extracts moisture, leaving the meat dry and bland.
Wholesale lobster tails can be bought from suppliers and manufacturers in bulk online at E-commerce marketplaces like Alibaba.com. Buyers can also find seafood distributors, fish markets, or specialty seafood wholesalers. It is important to ensure that the supplier is reputable and that the product comes from sustainable and reliable sources.
Check for discoloration, such as white or grayish meat instead of the usual light cream color. This indicates freezer burn or that the lobster has been in the freezer for too long. Another sign is off or strange odors, which may smell somewhat like ammonia or fishy. Lastly, the texture may be mushy or rubbery instead of firm and slightly flexible, indicating the quality has deteriorated.
The best method buyers can invest in to cook lobster tails is boiling. Boiling maintains the tenderness and flavor of the meat and the balance between cooking time and temperature. Grilling is also a great way of cooking lobster tails, as high heat gives the meat a smoky flavor while the shell gets a delicious char. Steaming is also ideal because the steam keeps the lobster tails moist and prevents the meat from overcooking, which is great for those who hardly have time to prepare seasonings and sauces.
