Lobster: Benefits, Types, Nutritional Value
Lobsters, which can live in both fresh and salt water , are invertebrates that live at the bottom of the water. Lobsters in the sea eat aquatic life, dead or alive, or various algae. Freshwater lobsters consume tadpoles, earthworms, snails and insect larvae. Having a hard shell, the lobster has five pairs of legs, eyes on movable stems, and two long antennae. Of the five pairs of legs, the first pair usually has a claw. The fan-like lobster tail is used for swimming. Lobsters of different sizes can reach 35 centimeters in size and weigh up to 5 kilograms. Lobster , which has a unique flavor, is more expensive than other seafood because it is a hard-to-find sea creature.
Lobster, an insect-like sea creature that was given to prisoners in the 19th century and consumed by the poor, gradually began to take its place on elite tables and is one of the most expensive dishes in today’s cuisine. Another feature that distinguishes the lobster from other sea creatures is the way it is made. Lobsters, which vary in cooking according to their size, are cooked by boiling, grilling or steaming .
Water is poured into a saucepan and boiled. It is beneficial that the water in which the lobsters are cooked is sea water . If sea water is not available, ideal cooking water for lobster can be prepared by adding 1.5 tablespoons of salt to each liter of water.
The biggest handicap of cooking lobster is to put the lobsters alive in boiling water. A type of bacteria found in lobsters releases toxins if the lobster dies, and these toxins have a toxic effect. For this reason, lobsters are cooked alive, taking away the bacteria’s opportunity to release toxins. When the lobster is cooked, it turns red and is served whole with the desired vegetables. A special cutting scissors or pliers are used to eat the lobster.
How to Hunt Lobster?
Lobsters that love warm waters such as Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean , retreat to the rocks in summer and descend into deep waters in winter. Lobsters, which are hunted using entangled gaff, harpoon, hand picking, lobster basket and fan net, are found on the stony shores of the Dardanelles and Bosphorus and the Marmara island. The most preferred method for fishing lobsters is the lobster basket . Lobster baskets of different sizes, filled with baits, are lowered to the bottom of the sea. The point to be considered while hunting with a lobster basket is that the basket is wet. When the basket is dry, it makes a sound and the lobsters do not come close to the basket when they hear this sound. Lobsters are creatures that hunt at night.The best times for lobster hunting, which likes to hunt especially on bright nights, are May and July.
What are the Lobster Types?
The lobster, the noblest member of the crab family, one of the oldest, most common and largest families in the world, has been protecting its existence in the world for 500 million years. Lobster, which has a total of 35 thousand species, likes to live in rocky sea bottoms and clean waters. The most consumed and commercially available lobster varieties in the world are American lobster, Norwegian lobster and Langost.
The American lobster, which can reach 60 centimeters in length and 14 kilograms in weight , is found on the North Atlantic coast of the USA. Norwegian lobster , which has long, prism and narrow claws, is widely consumed in European countries. Langost, which has a reddish purple color, is found in the North Sea, the English Channel, the Atlantic coasts, and the Mediterranean. Langost, which can reach 50 centimeters in length and 7-8 kilograms in weight, is the most common type of lobster.
What is Lobster Protein and Nutritional Value?
100 grams of cooked lobster is approximately 90 calories. Lobster, which has a very low calorie, can be on the weight loss lists. Although it contains less cholesterol than beef, it is recommended that those who have problems with cholesterol consume it carefully. Lobster meat is rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, selenium, zinc and phosphate.
Lobster containing omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids supports the body in the treatment of heart health and vascular diseases with its nutritional value. The protein value of 100 grams of lobster is approximately 19 grams. Lobster, which is a rich source of vitamins A, B12, B6, B1 and B2, meets almost all of the daily vitamin B12 needs.
What Are the Benefits of Lobster?
- Lobster, which draws attention with its high protein content, is a very good protein source, especially for athletes who train heavily. It is an excellent option after exercise with its protein content that provides muscle development and repair of worn muscles.
- Lobster, a low-calorie food, is a good option for those who want to lose weight. Due to its high protein content, its ability to keep you full for a long time is among the benefits of lobster.
- The antioxidant effect of omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids in its content protects the body against diseases by strengthening the body’s immune system.
- The high omega 3 content of lobster is beneficial against inflammatory diseases. Omega 3, which plays an important role in providing brain development, also increases perceptual functions. Especially Alzheimer’s patients are recommended to consume lobster.
- The antioxidant compounds in its content prevent the formation of cancer cells and prevent the growth of the formed cells.
Where and How to Eat Lobster?
Lobster, which attracts attention with its high economic value among arthropod sea creatures, is usually found in luxury fish restaurants . In these restaurants, the lobster is kept in the aquarium, selected by the customers and cooked by the restaurant chef.
So, how to eat lobster? Eating lobster takes some skill. Lobster is boiled whole and served whole. Before starting to eat the lobster, its claws are twisted and plucked. Using a lobster pick , the claws are broken and the meat inside is removed. The body part and the tail part are separated by turning from each other. The lower part of the tail is plucked from the tail section. With the help of a fork, the meat inside the tail is removed. Then the lobster’s body and back are separated from each other. It is separated from the abdomen with a lobster pick and the liver of the lobster is reached. Lobster, which has a unique flavor, is worth every bite, even though it is difficult to sort out.
