10 Fun Facts About Lobsters

Historic Poverty Food

Lobsters were once considered to be a poverty food in North America. This is because the waters off the coast of North America were teeming with lobsters, there were relatively few people living in coastal areas at the time, so there was less competition for food, and lobsters were not as popular as they are today. Many people found them to be tough and chewy, and they were not considered to be a delicacy. As a result of their abundance and low cost, lobsters were often fed to people who were considered to be on the lower end of the social scale. 

In the mid-19th century, lobster began to become more popular as a food for the wealthy. This was due to several factors, including the development of new cooking methods, the improvement of transportation networks, and the rise of the American middle class.

Lobster Sizes

Lobsters are graded by size, with the largest and heaviest being the most sought-after. The terms for size grading of lobsters include chicken (about 1 pound), cull (under legal size), and jumbo or colossal (larger than 3 pounds).

Lobsters are also graded according to the length of their carapace, which is the hard shell that covers their body. The carapace length is measured from the rear of the eye socket to the rear of the carapace. The minimum legal carapace length for lobsters in the United States is 3 1/4 inches. In some parts of the world, lobsters are graded according to the weight of their tails, because the tails are the most valuable part of the lobster, as they contain the most delicious meat.

Nutrient-Rich

One of the most interesting facts about the lobster, is not only delicious but also nutritious. It is a good source of protein, low in fat, and provides essential nutrients such as vitamins B12 and B6, as well as minerals like zinc and selenium. A 145-gram portion of lobster provides 27 grams of protein, 1.2 grams of fat, 0 grams of carbs, and only 128 calories. 

Lobster Rolls

The history of lobster rolls can be traced back to the early 20th century. The first documented lobster roll was served at a restaurant called Perry's in Milford, Connecticut, in 1929. Perry's owner, Harry Perry, is credited with inventing the lobster roll after a customer asked for a portable sandwich that he could take with him on the road.

Lobster rolls quickly became popular in Connecticut and other parts of New England. They were especially popular with working-class people, as lobsters were relatively inexpensive at the time. Lobster rolls were also popular with tourists, who enjoyed the fresh seafood and the convenience of a portable sandwich.

Lobster in New England

Lobster is closely associated with the New England region of the United States, particularly Maine. Maine lobsters, known for their sweet and tender meat, are highly prized.

Lobster Festivals

Lobster festivals are celebrated in various coastal regions. Lobster festivals are fantastic, hundreds of people gather to enjoy lobster dishes, various music, and other festivities. One of the most famous is the Maine Lobster Festival, ​a five-day festival and one of the largest lobster festivals in the world. It features over 20,000 pounds of lobster, as well as other seafood dishes, live music, and a parade!

Lobster Traps

Lobsters are caught using lobster traps, which are cages designed to lure lobsters with bait and then keep them trapped until they are retrieved by fishermen. Lobster traps are typically baited with fish or other seafood and the traps are then lowered to the bottom of the ocean, and they are checked periodically by the fisherman.

There are two main types of lobster traps: traditional lobster traps and parlor lobster traps.

Traditional lobster traps are the most common type of lobster trap. They are typically made of wire mesh and have two entrances. One entrance is located at the top of the trap, and the other entrance is located on the side of the trap.

Parlor lobster traps have a separate compartment where lobsters are kept after they are caught. This helps to prevent the lobsters from damaging each other. Parlor lobster traps are typically more expensive than traditional lobster traps, but they can help to improve the quality of the lobsters that are caught.

Sustainable Fishing

The lobster industry has made efforts to promote sustainable fishing practices to ensure the long-term health of lobster populations. Regulations are in place to protect breeding and undersized lobsters. 

One of the most important lobster breeding regulations is the minimum legal size for lobsters. In most states, the minimum legal size for lobsters is 3 1/4 inches. This regulation is in place to protect juvenile lobsters and allow them to reach maturity before they are harvested. Another important lobster breeding regulation is the prohibition on harvesting egg-bearing females. Egg-bearing females are also known as "v-notched" lobsters because they have a V-shaped notch cut into the underside of their tails. This notch is a sign that the lobster has been bred and is carrying eggs.

Lobster breeding regulations are also in place to protect lobster habitats. For example, in some American states, it is illegal to set lobster traps in certain areas, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds. These regulations are in place to protect these sensitive habitats and the lobster populations that depend on them.

Lobster Diversification

Lobster meat is used in various culinary creations, including lobster bisque, lobster mac and cheese, lobster ravioli, and even lobster ice cream in some novelty shops. This means that lobsters can be used for a huge variety of dishes and largely, none of the lobster will be wasted. 

Record-Breaking Lobsters

The largest lobster ever caught weighed around 44 pounds and was captured off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. While these giant lobsters are not typically used for food, they serve as a testament to the impressive size some lobsters can attain.

Lobsters at Burger & Lobster

What could be tastier than succulent, juicy lobster? The Burger & Lobster menu is full of delicious lobster-based dishes for you to get your claws around. To start, the Lobster Croquettes are juicy and tasty. Finished with crab meat and nutty Grana Padano. 

However, if you’re looking to sink your teeth into something more substantial, the B&L classics are perfect. The Lobster Roll is served with delicious chilled lobster, lemon mayo and lemon garlic butter. Placed perfectly on a toasted brioche roll with crisp fries on the side. 

The Whole Lobster is for true lobster lovers. Served grilled or steamed with crisp fries and a sauce of your choice. Perfect for dunking, dipping and letting delicious butter dribble down your chin. For sides, the Lobster Mac & Cheese is a twist on the classic. Deliciously cheesy, perfectly seasoned and finished with succulent chunks of lobster meat. 

And for when you simply can’t decide, the Combos offer the very best of everything at Burger & Lobster: perfect burgers and tasty whole lobster, lobster rolls and tantalising sides. Pair your lobster dish with our famous Lobstar Martini for the ultimate Burger & Lobster experience…