While many Americans think of lobster bisque as a classic New England dish, it actually originates in France. Lobster bisque is a creamy, lobster-rich dish that brings back memories of good old times and is loved all over the world.
If you know how to make lobster bisque from shells, you can give it a real taste and depth of flavor. A lot of home cooks also like to use all of the lobster’s parts to add different layers of flavor to the stock and the final dish. If you want to get better at cooking, read on for the best lobster bisque recipe and some interesting cooking tips.
Lobster is a delicious delicacy that many people look forward to cracking open The sweet, succulent meat inside the hard outer shell is what makes lobster such a treat. But some lobster-lovers wonder if they can get even more value from their crustaceans by eating parts beyond just the tail and claws. Specifically, can you eat lobster shells?
While the shell may seem inedible, some cultures around the world do actually consume lobster shells There are even some potential nutritional benefits to be gained However, safety and palatability need to be considered.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the pros and cons of eating lobster shells. We’ll also provide tips on how to get the most flavor and nutrition out of your lobster, including making stock from the shell.
Nutritional Components of Lobster Shells
The primary component of a lobster shell is calcium carbonate. This is the same compound that makes up limestone, seashells, and egg shells.
Beyond calcium, lobster shells also contain:
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
- Chitin
- Astaxanthin
- Other antioxidants
The minerals calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are important for bone health. Chitin is a type of fiber that may support the growth of probiotics in the gut. Astaxanthin and other antioxidants found in the shell have shown benefits for skin health in studies.
So while lobster meat contains the majority of the protein, the shell does have some nutritional components on its own.
Potential Benefits of Eating Lobster Shells
Here are some of the proposed benefits that come from consuming lobster shells:
Calcium for Bone Health
The calcium in lobster shells may help support bone mineral density and reduce risk of osteoporosis when eaten regularly. The shells provide a highly absorbable form of calcium.
Prebiotic Fiber
Chitin has prebiotic properties, meaning it promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. This can aid digestion and immunity.
Skin Antioxidants
Compounds like astaxanthin found in shells may help protect skin from sun damage when eaten. More human research is needed.
Added Flavor
Chewing and eating the shell is said to release briny, seafood flavors that enhance the taste of the lobster meat. The shells provide a crunchy contrast to the tender meat.
Sustainable Use
Eating the whole lobster prevents waste and makes full use of the crustacean. The shells make up over half of a lobster’s mass.
For these reasons, some lobster fans choose to crack open and consume the legs, body, and other shell parts along with the meat. The shells get mashed up during the chewing process to unlock flavors and nutrients.
Downsides of Consuming Lobster Shells
However, there are some drawbacks to consider:
Digestive Issues
The chitin fiber in shells may cause digestive upset, gas, and bloating when eaten whole. Shell pieces could also pose a choking hazard for some.
Not Palatable
Lobster shell has a tough, crunchy texture that many find unenjoyable to chew and eat. Most diners still prefer to access just the tender meat portions.
Sustainability Concerns
Waste is minimized, but eating the shell reduces leftovers for lobster stock. The shell also contains potential contaminants from the lobster’s diet and environment.
No Evidence of Benefits
While the shell contains various nutrients and compounds, there is limited evidence that eating lobster shell provides tangible health benefits. More studies in humans are needed.
Due to these factors, the majority of lobster eaters still opt to enjoy the meat and discard the shell. The shell is very difficult to digest and may cause unpleasant symptoms if eaten whole.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Lobster
If you want to maximize nutrition and flavor from your lobster but aren’t keen on chewing the shell, here are some tips:
-
Suck the juice and fat from the legs and body after removing the meat. This captures flavorful fats.
-
Use cracked shells, tails, and heads to make stock. Simmer the shells to extract nutrients, then strain out the solids.
-
Cook lobster meat in the shell when possible to allow flavors to develop, such as grilled or baked.
-
Save shells after picking out meat to add to seafood boils or bisques for flavor and calcium.
-
Mix leftover finely ground shells into breading for seafood or add to sauces as an antioxidant boost.
With these methods, you can gain benefits from the shell without having to eat it directly. The shell keeps the meat moist during cooking and can be repurposed into stock and sauces.
How to Eat Lobster Shells
For those who do wish to eat lobster shells directly, here are some tips to improve digestibility and safety:
-
Chew the shells thoroughly into very small pieces to allow the digestive enzymes access to extract nutrients.
-
Consume shells in moderation – no more than 1 or 2 shells per serving. Too much shell fiber may cause GI irritation.
-
Avoid eating the hard claw and body shells. Focus only on the thinner leg and tail shells for easier chewing.
-
Cook shells prior to eating by steaming, boiling, or baking to soften their texture slightly. Don’t eat straight from raw shells.
-
Drink plenty of liquids during and after eating shells to help move fiber through the digestive tract.
With proper preparation and moderation, lobster shells can be consumed. But the nutrition can also be obtained through making stock and sauces if taste and texture are unpalatable. Only eat small amounts of shell if you choose to consume them directly.
Should You Eat Lobster Shells?
At the end of the day, the decision of whether or not to eat lobster shells comes down to personal preference. Here are some final pros and cons to consider:
Pros
- Extracts flavor compounds into broths and sauces
- Provides calcium and antioxidants
- Reduces food waste from lobster
Cons
- Challenging texture for most palates
- Poses choking and digestion issues if eaten whole
- More research needed on health benefits
While lobster shells are edible, most people find it unenjoyable to eat the shell directly. You can still benefit by using the shell in stocks and adding ground shell to foods for nutritional value.
If you do choose to eat shells, go slowly, grind thoroughly, and drink fluids to tolerate the insoluble fiber. Focus on thin leg and tail shells rather than the claws.
At the end of the day, don’t feel you need to eat the shell to prevent waste. The flavorful fats and juices are bonus enough. The sweet, supple meat is what makes lobster a treasured indulgence.
References:
-
Baran, W., Adamek, E., Ziemiańczyk, U., & Szymańska, E. (2021). Valuable components of the European lobster (Homarus gammarus) processing waste. Molecules, 26(16), 4728.
-
Yu, Z., Yin, Y., Zhao, W., Liu, J., Chen, F., & Liu, B. (2018). Anti-aging effects of astaxanthin-containing compound from Antarctic krill Euphausia superba on fruit flies. Food & function, 9(11), 5800-5809.
-
Mizanur, R. M., Jahid, I. K., Ha, A. W., Choi, J. H., Lee, B. H., Kim, M. S., … & Park, P. J. (2015). Extraction and characterization of chitin and chitosan from marine sources in Bangladesh. Journal of advanced pharmaceutical technology & research, 6(3), 104.
-
Barrows, A., Bellis, L. M., Krogdahl, Å., Silverstein, J. T., Herman, E. M., Rust, M. B., & Gatlin III, D. M. (2008). Report of the plant products in aquafeed strategic planning workshop: an integrated, interdisciplinary research roadmap for increasing utilization of plant feedstuffs in diets for carnivorous fish. Reviews in Fisheries Science, 16(4), 449-455.
-
Nicholson, J. A. (2013). An investigation of calcium absorption from the exoskeleton of commercially important crustaceans.
What is Lobster Bisque?
Lobster bisque is a simple seafood dish that can be prepared in about an hour. Lobster bisque didn’t always have the “posh” reputation that it enjoys today. In fact, it was invented from a common, everyday dish known as “pottage. Over the course of the 17th century, lobster lovers began to make bisque more like the dish we know today by adding new ingredients and improving the way it was cooked.
Lobster bisque is a lot like a lot of stews that fishermen and people who lived near the coast used to make when they had to get the most out of each ingredient and sometimes make enough to last for weeks on end.
Bisque is usually thought of as a creamy soup made from shellfish that is thickened with rice, flour, or shellfish parts. In fact, the word “bisque” is thought to come from the combination of the words “bis,” which means “again,” and “cuites,” which means “cooked.” After all, the slow cooking and blending of flavors is the essence of most traditional soups and stews.
What are the Benefits of Making Lobster Bisque from Leftover Shells?
A traditional way to cook that has been passed down from generation to generation is to use leftover lobster shells to make bisque. It’s also a great way to use lobster shells, which is important to make sure that no lobster is wasted. When making bisque, the main reason we use leftover lobster shells is to make the dish taste better. Lobster shells, especially when ground or crushed, can provide a much stronger lobster flavor.
How to Shell and Eat A Whole Lobster
How do you eat a soft shell lobster?
If you’re eating a soft shell lobster, you should be able to crack open the shell and extract the meat easily. For hard shell varieties, use either a seafood pick or your thumb to push into the hole left behind from removing the fins. Gently push the meat under the shell until the whole tail comes out from the other side.
Can you eat a lobster?
Lobsters have various edible parts, with the majority of the meat found in the tail and claws. The legs and body also have some meat, but in smaller amounts. However, it’s best to avoid eating the tomalley, a green substance found in the body, as it may contain toxins. What Are the Health Benefits of Eating Lobster?
Can you eat lobster tail meat?
If you have a whole lobster you can eat the tail meat, claw meat, and meat in the knuckles, legs, and body. If you purchased a female lobster, the tail should have red roe (lobster eggs) along the tip of the shell, which are edible. Avoid eating the tail vein, as well as any cartilage or portions of the shell.
Can you eat a hard shell lobster?
The hard shell can’t be digested and is also very difficult to swallow, presenting a choking hazard. Kingston notes that the black or green vein at the center of the tail shouldn’t be eaten, as it’s part of the lobster’s digestive system and doesn’t have a palatable flavor.