Maine lobster used to wash up on the shores hundreds of years ago and “litter” the beautiful sand. So much so that people didn’t even have to fish for lobster; they would just walk along the shore and look at the 3-foot-high piles of Maine lobster. Maine lobster was once known as the “poor man’s chicken.” It wasn’t considered a treat until the 1900s; before that, it was just a basic food that poor people in the Northeast ate every day. If this is the case, then why is Maine lobster such a treat now? Why is it so much better than other lobsters? Keep reading to find out more about Maine lobster and why we want it so badly.
Lobster is one of the most beloved seafood delicacies, renowned for its tender meat and rich sweet flavor. From buttery lobster rolls to decadent lobster tails this crustacean is a coveted ingredient. However, with different types of lobster available, it can get confusing trying to determine if Boston and Maine lobster are one and the same.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into these two iconic lobsters to uncover if Boston lobster is indeed the same as Maine lobster. Read on to learn about their key differences and similarities so you can make an informed decision when selecting lobster for your next culinary creation!
An Overview of Boston vs. Maine Lobster
Let’s start with a quick rundown of the basics:
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Boston lobster refers to lobster caught off the coast of Massachusetts, specifically in the waters around Boston. It’s sometimes called the American lobster or Atlantic lobster.
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Maine lobster refers to lobster caught in the Gulf of Maine, off the coast of the state of Maine. This region is renowned for producing high-quality lobsters.
While both are American lobsters (Homarus americanus), there are some notable differences between lobsters caught in these two regions which we’ll explore in more detail.
Key Differences Between Boston and Maine Lobster
Though Boston and Maine lobster appear visually similar, there are several key differences between them
Size and Meat Content
- Maine lobsters are typically larger, with longer claws and more meat in their tails and bodies. Boston lobsters tend to be smaller with less meat content.
Flavor Profile
- Maine lobsters have a sweeter, more delicate flavor while Boston lobsters are associated with a stronger, brinier taste.
Shell Appearance
- Maine lobsters have reddish-brown shells when cooked while Boston lobsters turn bright red. Maine lobsters also have thinner shells.
Texture
- The meat of Maine lobsters is more tender while Boston lobster meat has a slightly firmer chew.
Harvesting Location
- As the names suggest, Maine lobster is caught off the coast of Maine while Boston lobster is caught near Massachusetts.
Average Cost
- On average, Maine lobster costs more per pound due to higher demand and limited supply compared to the more abundant Boston lobster.
So while similar, these key differences set the two lobsters apart when it comes to taste, texture, appearance, and market price.
Digging Into Their Distinct Origins
To better understand the differences between the two, it helps to take a closer look at where each is harvested and what makes those waters unique:
The Maine Lobster
The Maine lobster originates in the Gulf of Maine, located off the coast of Maine in the Atlantic ocean. This cold water environment with rocky shoals and tidal pools provides ideal conditions for lobsters to flourish. The Gulf of Maine has a rich abundance of algae and plankton which lobsters feed on. Its cold temperature, between 53-68°F, helps Maine lobsters grow bigger and fuller. Their longer claws pack more sweet, succulent meat. The cooler water also regulates their growth to produce a firmer texture. Overall, the pristine Gulf of Maine habitat allows the Maine lobster to develop its signature sweet flavor, large size, and tender-firm texture.
The Boston Lobster
In contrast, the Boston lobster is found off the shores of Massachusetts in the waters around Boston. This warmer environment, with temperatures averaging 70°F, causes Boston lobsters to grow more quickly. As a result, they are smaller in size than Maine lobsters, with less meat content. The warmer temperatures also cause Boston lobsters to molt soft shells more frequently which contributes to their more slippery texture compared to Maine lobsters. The warmer water impacts their taste as well, imparting a stronger briny flavor. While the brisk ocean waters around Boston produce hearty lobsters in their own right, the conditions are not quite as optimal as the Gulf of Maine when it comes to producing size, tender meat, and sweetness.
How Are They Caught and Handled?
In addition to where they originate, the harvesting and handling process also impacts the final product:
Maine Lobster Practices
Several practices contribute to Maine lobsters’ superior quality:
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Strict regulations on the minimum and maximum size of harvested lobsters helps preserve stocks. Undersized lobsters are returned to the sea.
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Lobsters are handled gently and stored in seawater tanks on boats to reduce stress and deterioration of the meat.
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Quick transport from catch to processors ensures freshness.
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Careful monitoring of fishing activities helps prevent overfishing.
Boston Lobster Practices
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Fewer regulations on harvested lobster sizes means smaller lobsters may be caught before reaching maturity.
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Boston lobsters spend more time out of water during transport which can affect meat quality.
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Lack of robust monitoring programs makes Boston more susceptible to overfishing.
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Processing facilities may be farther from fishing ports, resulting in longer transit times which reduces freshness.
So Maine’s strict fishing and handling practices help preserve both the quality and sustainability of their lobsters.
Flavor, Texture and Culinary Uses
When it comes to cooking and eating these crustaceans, there are some important flavor, texture, and culinary use differences:
Flavor
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Maine lobster has a sweet, subtle flavor and faint briny undertones. The cooler water helps produce more tender meat and thin shells which concentrate the natural taste.
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Boston lobster has a robust, briny seaflavor. Less time is spent developing natural sugars in the colder Gulf of Maine waters which gives Boston lobster a heartier, saltier taste.
Texture
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Maine lobster has a tender-firm texture, where the meat is easy to bite through but still has some chew. The cooler temperatures allow for ideal gradual growth.
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Boston lobster has a slightly tougher, rubbery texture. They molt soft shells more frequently in warm water which affects meat consistency.
Uses
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The sweet delicacy of Maine lobster makes it perfect for lobster rolls, buttery baked dishes, and grilling.
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The hardy texture of Boston lobster stands up well to pasta dishes, chowders, steaming, and boiling.
So they each shine in different culinary applications. Maine lobster sings with gentle preparations while Boston lobster can handle heartier cooking methods.
Sustainability and the Impact of Harvesting Practices
Sustainability and conservation are pressing concerns when it comes to harvesting lobster. There are some important distinctions between Maine and Boston in this regard:
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Maine’s strict fishing regulations, limits on catch sizes, and monitoring programs aim to support a thriving, sustainable lobster population. Their investments in lobster health today preserve the fishery for future generations.
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Boston’s lighter regulations increase the risk of overfishing. Population decline is a concern without size limits and catch controls. Limited sustainability efforts jeopardize the long-term outlook of Boston’s lobster supply.
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Maine’s seawater holding tanks and rapid transport help reduce waste and mortality rates. Boston’s longer supply chain leads to higher mortality and waste.
So Maine lobster fishing makes greater efforts towards sustainability while Boston faces more environmental pressures and waste.
Pricing Differences Between the Two Lobsters
Given the distinctions between Maine and Boston lobster, it comes as no surprise that they differ in cost:
- High demand and limited supply from Maine’s tightly regulated fishery means Maine lobster commands a higher price per pound. Availability is lower but the quality is excellent
They Are Simply The Most Delicious
Cold water equals sweeter meat – period. And you won’t find that in lobsters who grow in warmer ocean temperatures. The meat of Maine lobsters is so much sweeter because they grow in cold water. In addition, the cold water keeps Maine lobsters from absorbing the salt in the water. It’s also important what size lobster you get, and Maine lobsters are by far the biggest. When a lobster gets bigger, the meat in the tail gets better. The tail is one of the best parts of the lobster to eat. Maine also has very strict regulations when it comes to catching lobster. They want the best of the best. People who catch lobsters can’t catch ones that are too small or too big because of even stricter measurement rules. This means you will always have the best tasting Maine lobster!.
What Exactly Is The Maine Lobster?
The Homarus Americanus Maine lobster is a type of lobster that is much bigger than other lobsters in the world. It is also known as the American lobster, Boston lobster, Atlantic lobster, New England lobster, and Northern lobster. Different from other types of lobster, the Maine lobster is bigger, has bigger claws, and grows more slowly. This makes the meat of the lobster more firm and juicy than other types. Because the ocean is cool, the lobster meat doesn’t get salty. This means that Maine lobster is naturally much sweeter and more tender than other types. Maine lobsters are thought to be much better than lobsters from warmer climates just because of these reasons. Contact Seafood University today to find out where you can get delicious Maine lobster. It’s easy and doesn’t cost anything to have lobster sent right to your door so you can enjoy it at home.
Canadian Lobster Known as Maine or Boston Lobster
What type of lobster is a Maine lobster?
It is also known as the American lobster, Boston lobster, Atlantic lobster, New England lobster, and Northern lobster. The Maine lobster is different from other types of lobster because they are bigger, with much larger claws, and they grow at a slower rate (this makes the meat of the lobster more firm and succulent than others).
What is Maine lobster now?
From lobster tails to delicious lobster rolls, Maine Lobster Now provides the highest quality seafood caught fresh from the Atlantic Ocean and shipped right to your door. This is a fun way to learn all about some common, and uncommon facts about the lobster industry.
What’s the difference between Canadian lobster and Maine lobster?
However, the differences aren’t that significant, and as “Canadian lobster” isn’t as well publicized as “Maine lobster,” it tends to be cheaper per pound — so lobster fans could scoop themselves a bargain. Due to the density of their meat and the thickness of their shells, Canadian lobsters lend themselves well to harsher cooking methods.
Why are Maine lobsters better than other lobsters?
The cool temperatures of the ocean keep the salt from entering the meat of the lobster, so naturally, Maine lobster is much more sweet and tender compared to others. For these reasons alone, Maine lobsters are considered to be far more superior than other lobsters in warmer climates.