Lobster fans all over the world agree that the lobster tail is the biggest and meatiest part of the lobster. But there are many different varieties of lobster tails depending on the species of lobster.
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North Atlantic lobster tails are considered one of the most premium and delicious seafood options around. But what exactly are North Atlantic lobster tails and what makes them so good? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about North Atlantic lobster tails and explain why they are considered such an exquisite delicacy.
Overview of North Atlantic Lobster Tails
North Atlantic lobster tails come from the species Homarus americanus, also known as the American lobster or Maine lobster. They inhabit the rocky seabeds from Newfoundland down to North Carolina. North Atlantic lobster tails refer specifically to the meaty tails of these lobsters. The sweet, tender tail meat is widely regarded as the tastiest part of a lobster.
North Atlantic lobster tails are sold as a product separate from whole lobsters. The tails come split with the shell on and can be bought raw or cooked. They range in size from small 4-6 oz tails up to jumbo 20+ oz tails. The pure white flesh has a mildly sweet flavor and firm, succulent texture when cooked.
What Makes North Atlantic Lobster Tails So Good
There are several key reasons why North Atlantic lobster tails stand out above other types of lobster tails
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Wild-Caught – North Atlantic lobsters are wild-caught in the cold, pristine waters off New England and Canada. This contributes to their superior flavor.
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** Cold Water** – The frigid waters help the lobsters grow slower, increasing their flavor concentration. Coldwater tails tend to taste sweeter.
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Freshness – Tails are processed quickly on shore to preserve freshness. When buying from reputable sources, the lobsters are very fresh.
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Meat Quality – The cold waters lend to very firm, robust meat that holds its texture better when cooking. The meat is fuller in the tail.
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Sustainability – North Atlantic lobster fisheries are well-managed with strict regulations to ensure sustainability.
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Size Variety – Tails are sold in a wide variety of sizes from 4 oz. to over 1 lb, allowing for flexibility
Typical Pricing for North Atlantic Lobster Tails
Due to their reputation for excellence, North Atlantic lobster tails do come at a higher price point than lobster tails from other regions. Here are some general guidelines on pricing:
- 4-6 oz tails – $9 – $15 per tail
- 8-10 oz tails – $15 – $25 per tail
- 12-16 oz tails – $25 – $35 per tail
- 20+ oz tails – $35 – $50+ per tail
Larger lobster tails and live lobsters tend to be cheaper per pound but have higher overall costs. Prices may be higher at restaurants versus buying retail. Due to their premium status, North Atlantic lobster tails are priced at the higher end compared to warm water lobster tails.
How To Cook and Eat North Atlantic Lobster Tails
North Atlantic lobster tails are very versatile and can be prepared numerous ways:
- Grill, broil or bake in the shell – this keeps moisture in and infuses flavor
- Roast in the oven on a sheet pan
- Saute or pan-sear shelled meat in butter
- Bake shelled meat topped with breadcrumbs
- Stuff in ravioli or use for lobster rolls
Some tips for cooking lobster tails:
- Split the shell along the back prior to cooking for ease of removal
- Brush with butter or olive oil before cooking
- Cook shelled side down first to prevent overcooking
- Take care not to overcook, cook just until opaque
The sweet, rich meat should be the star of the show. Avoid heavy sauces or seasonings that will overpower the natural flavor. Dip in melted butter or a squeeze of lemon. The lobster goodness will shine through with simple preparations.
Where to Buy Quality North Atlantic Lobster Tails
When buying North Atlantic lobster tails, quality and freshness are key for the best flavor. Here are some recommended sources:
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Local seafood markets or docks – Best place for fresh lobster direct from the source
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Online retailers – Offer overnight shipping and excellent quality like Great Alaska Seafood or Maine Lobster Now
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High-end grocery stores – Some specialty markets like Whole Foods have quality live and frozen lobster
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Avoid non-specialty big box stores – Lower chance for freshness and dry or rubbery product
For the optimal North Atlantic lobster tail experience, seek out a reputable retailer with high turnover and focus on seafood. It’s worth paying a little extra for the real deal from cold northeast Atlantic waters.
In conclusion, yes – North Atlantic lobster tails are absolutely fantastic. Their sweet flavor, tender texture and superior taste make them well worth the price for special occasions or just because. Try them at least once and you’ll be convinced!
Cheap Lobster Tails: Avoid the “Too Good to Be True” Deal
Of course, be on the lookout for cheap impostors.
Lobster tails from warm water will always be less expensive because they don’t taste as good as lobster tails frozen from colder waters like Maine and Canada.
You’ll find the warm water Lobster tails at chain stores and the big catalog steak companies. Big cruise lines also offer warm-water tails to their passengers to save money. Our customers tell us the tails taste dried out or rubbery. Some even say these cheap tails taste like sawdust. Yuck!.
Warm Water vs Cold Water Lobster Tails: Does it Matter?
Of course it does! The colder the water, the better tasting a lobster will be.
Cold water lobster is prized above all other species for its sweet, briny richness. Maine and Canada are the most well-known for this cold-water delicacy and for a good reason.
Because the water in the northern Atlantic is cold, lobsters grow more slowly, which makes the meat more tender. These Lobsters are also usually larger than warm water lobsters and as a result have more meat.
Warm water lobster is a cheaper alternative and us usually not as flavorful. Due to the size and lack of meat, the only edible part of these lobsters are the tails. The meat of warm water lobsters is often darker than the meat of white cold water lobsters, but there’s no evidence that the color changes how good the meat tastes.
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Are Maine lobster tails good?
When it comes to lobster tails, Maine is often associated with top-notch quality and remarkable taste. Maine lobsters are known for their large size and sweet, tender meat. These lobsters thrive in the cold waters of the North Atlantic, resulting in their superior taste and texture.
What is the best lobster tail?
The best kind of lobster tail is the Frozen Maine Lobster Tails. They are filled with delectable and tender lobster meat, embodying the true essence of what Americans envision lobsters to be. Which is better Rock or Maine lobster tail?
Are Australian lobster tails good?
Australian lobster tails are typically smaller than those from Maine but still offer a delectable dining experience. Their meat is firm yet tender, and it boasts a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with butter or light sauces. These tails are versatile and can be prepared in numerous ways, including grilling, broiling, or baking.
How big is a Maine lobster tail?
These lobsters thrive in the cold waters of the North Atlantic, resulting in their superior taste and texture. Maine lobster tails are typically larger than other varieties, with some reaching up to 12 ounces or more. Their meat is firm yet delicate, making it perfect for grilling, broiling, or steaming.