Lobster tails are considered one of the most decadent and luxurious seafood treats. Their sweet, tender meat wrapped in a crunchy shell makes for an indulgent eating experience. But not all lobster tails are created equal. Two of the most popular varieties come from frigid northern waters – Maine lobster tails and Canadian lobster tails. But what’s the difference, and which tails taste better?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine Maine vs. Canadian lobster tails to help you determine which is best for your seafood splurge. You’ll learn about sizing, texture, flavor, price, and more to help decide if Canadian tails stack up to renowned Maine tails.
Overview of Maine and Canadian Lobster Tails
Maine and Canadian lobster tails both come from the same species – Homarus americanus. This cold-water crustacean thrives off the Atlantic coast of North America. So why do the tails taste different?
Maine lobster tails come from lobsters harvested in the Gulf of Maine. The slightly warmer ocean temperatures give Maine lobster meat a more tender and sweet flavor. The tails tend to be smaller in size.
Canadian lobster tails come from lobsters fished off Canada’s Atlantic coast in the Bay of Fundy and Nova Scotia. The colder water makes their shells harder and meat less tender, but lends a fuller lobster flavor. Tails run larger in size.
Size Differences in Lobster Tails
One key difference between Maine and Canadian lobster tails is sizing:
-
Maine tails tend to run from 5 to 7 ounces on average
-
Canadian tails average between 7 and 9 ounces, with jumbo tails over 10 ounces
Lobsters grow larger in Canada due to no maximum size restrictions. In Maine, lobsters over 5 pounds must be released back to promote conservation.
For special occasions, jumbo Canadian tails are a popular splurge But smaller Maine tails may be better for multi-course meals.
Texture and Flavor Variations
While subtle, Maine and Canadian lobster tails do vary in texture and flavor:
Maine Lobster Tail
- Tender, flaky texture
- Sweet, delicate flavor
- Notes of sea salt and butter
- Prized for premium quality
Canadian Lobster Tail
- Firm, dense texture
- Robust, briny flavor
- Full-bodied lobster essence
- Value pricing for size
Connoisseurs praise Maine tails for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet taste. Canadian tails appeal to those seeking an authentic old-fashioned lobster flavor.
Price Differences Between Lobster Tail Types
With wild caught seafood like lobster, you generally pay for quality and freshness. Here’s how pricing compares:
-
Maine lobster tails range from $25 to $60 per tail depending on weight. Supply is limited.
-
Canadian lobster tails range from $15 to $25 per tail. More abundant harvest means lower costs.
While Canadian tails are cheaper per pound, small Maine tails may be comparable in total price. Jumbo Canadian tails are popular for their impressive presentation.
How To Pick the Best Lobster Tails
To ensure the best eating experience, here are tips for selecting quality lobster tails:
- Choose live or raw tails vs. pre-cooked
- Raw tails should smell like the ocean, not fishy
- Meat should be translucent, not cloudy or yellow
- Tail shell should be hard, not cracked or leaking
- Opt for wild caught vs. farmed lobster
Buying raw allows you to control cooking and enjoy ultimate freshness. Both Maine and Canadian tails should meet these standards.
Cooking and Serving Lobster Tail
Lobster tails are easy to prepare. They can be steamed, broiled, grilled, or sautéed:
-
Defrost frozen raw tails overnight in the fridge
-
Split shell lengthwise before cooking to expose meat
-
Brush with lemon-butter and broil or grill 4-5 minutes
-
Or steam 8-10 minutes depending on size
-
Serve with melted butter, lemon wedges, parsley
-
Pair with champagne, white wine, or rosé
Both Maine and Canadian lobster tails make an elegant, restaurant-quality entrée to impress dinner guests.
Get Your Lobster Tails Shipped Fresh
Whether you opt for decadent Maine lobster tails or value-priced Canadian tails, you can order fresh lobster meat and tails shipped overnight right to your door. Enjoy this gourmet seafood anywhere.
Canada’s colder waters and unrestricted lobster size do produce some impressively large lobster tails. But Maine’s prized, sweet-fleshed tails reign supreme among seafood aficionados. When only the best will do, true lobster connoisseurs agree you can’t beat Maine lobster tails.
Is There A Difference Between Maine And Canadian Lobsters?
Both Maine and Canadian Lobsters belong to the same species – “Homarus Americanus”. However, differences between these two types of lobsters lie in their area of inhabitation and their physical makeup.
A Brief History of Our Beloved Crustaceans
In times of the past, lobsters were abundant and were deemed as a non-desirable food group. They were usually used as bait, livestock feed, prison food. So how did this food group become a delicacy of today?.
In the 1800s, cooked and canned lobsters were sent to the army as food during the Civil War. People who ate these canned lobsters liked them, but they didn’t know that they were eating something that was traditionally considered bad for you.
People would travel to New England to eat fresh lobsters, which is how the dish went from being cheap to fancy. The demand rose as people started to crave lobsters in their own countries.
As demand for fresh lobsters have risen, so have people’s appetite for lobsters from popular regions. To capitalise on this demand, suppliers started transporting these fresh lobsters live. Because of how the logistics work, lobsters are now a treat that we can enjoy in many places around the world.
Lobster Tails Recipe – How to Make the Best Lobster Tail
Are Canadian lobster tails the same as Maine?
Maine lobster tails are world renown for their sweet and delicate taste while also having a lot of meat in one shell. Canadian lobster tails are closely related to Maine lobsters but reside in more northern and icy waters. The even colder Canadian waters make these lobster tails significantly larger than others.
Is it safe to eat the tail of a fish?
Is it safe to eat the tail of a fish. The tails and fins from large fish can be smoked and boiled to help draw out meat and juices, but small fins can be fried or baked as a crispy snack, much the same way as skins.
Are cold water lobster tails good for You?
Full of sweet, tender lobster meat, cold water Maine tails are what every American expects lobsters to be. Their delicious taste and juicy meat, especially when fully cooked with a butter sauce, is comparable to none. Above all, the North Atlantic fishing regulations guarantee you that the lobster you eat from these waters is good for you.
Where do lobster tails live?
Caribbean lobster tails live in the warm waters of the Caribbean and near the gulf of mexico. These tails are a bit tougher but still have a nice taste. Maine lobster tails are world renown for their sweet and delicate taste while also having a lot of meat in one shell.