Friday, September 18, 2009

Color of Maine Lobsters: The Truth

By Sherry Shantel

Maine lobsters are not red! I know the ones you see in all the pictures in magazines and restaurant menus are red, but; that is not their natural color. In fact, Maine lobsters are naturally found as being greenish-brown or black in color. They may also be found as blue, yellow or even white. One out of every 30 million lobsters born has a blue shell.

Black holes or marks on a lobster's shell are the result of much wear and tear. And these are usually an indication of an older lobster who hasn't recently shed its shell. Marks or holes are not harmful at all.

The color of a lobster's shell does not affect its flavor or its texture. When cooked, all of the color pigments except for the red are hidden. That is why when you have completely cooked the lobster, it takes on the beautiful red hue.

Cooking a lobster longer than necessary makes the meat tough. When cooked properly, lobster meat is creamy white in color. The shells are bright red and the front antennae are easily removed.

Live Main Lobster can be boiled, grilled, steamed, or baked. The white meat of the lobster is located in its tail, knuckles, and claws. Meat is also located in parts of the body and the legs. The red substance in the tail section is the roe, or female eggs and is considered a delicacy. The green matter at the section of the body and tail is known as tomalley, which is the liver, and has a peppery taste, used in many recipes.

Eating tomalley on a regular basis is not recommended. Contaminants may settle in the liver, as it does with other animals, so it is best to refrain from too much.

Main lobsters are delicious and nutritious! Remember, go light on the butter. This seafood has less calories, saturated fats, and calories than that of lean beef, pork, or skinless chicken. Lobster provides a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. These have shown to reduce hardening of the arteries and the risk of heart disease.

Celebrating any occasion by eating lobster would make it special. This delight is sweet, succulent, and tasty. Look for fresh Maine lobsters. Remind yourself, you are not looking for a red creature to begin with. It will be red when is ready to consume and enjoy.

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