North Atlantic lobster tails have quite the reputation among seafood lovers. With their sweet, succulent meat and firm yet delicate texture they are considered by many to be the crème de la crème of lobster tails. But are they really that much better than lobster tails from other regions? I decided to dig deeper into the pros cons, and differences between North Atlantic and other lobster tails to find out if they live up to the hype.
An Overview of North Atlantic Lobster Tails
North Atlantic lobster tails come from the American lobster species (Homarus americanus) found in the rocky seabeds from Newfoundland down to North Carolina. The tails are the meatiest part of these cold water lobsters and are separated and sold individually either raw or pre-cooked. They range in size from small 4-6oz tails up to jumbo 20oz+ tails.
The translucent white meat has a mildly sweet flavor and firm yet tender bite. When cooked properly the texture is succulent without being mushy. North Atlantic tails tend to be larger and fuller compared to warm water tails.
What Makes Them So Good?
There are a few key reasons why North Atlantic lobster tail meat stands out:
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Wild-caught – North Atlantic lobsters are wild, not farmed, giving them superior flavor. Farmed warm water lobsters have a more bland taste.
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Cold water – The frigid North Atlantic waters slow lobster growth, increasing flavor concentration. Cold water tails tend to taste sweeter.
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Freshness – Quick processing preserves freshness. Tails bought from quality sources are extremely fresh.
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Meat quality – The cold temperature lends to firm, robust meat that retains excellent texture when cooked.
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Sustainability – North Atlantic fisheries are well-managed for sustainability. Warm water fisheries can suffer from overfishing.
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Size variety – Available in a wide range of sizes from 4oz up to 1lb+, allowing cooking flexibility.
So in terms of flavor, texture, freshness and responsible sourcing, North Atlantic lobster tails really are in a league of their own.
How Do North Atlantic Lobster Tails Compare to Warm Water Tails?
Warm water lobster tails come from species like the Caribbean lobster, found in tropical and subtropical waters. Here’s how they compare:
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Size – North Atlantic tails are larger, sometimes twice the size of warm water tails. More meat per tail.
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Flavor – North Atlantic tails have a sweeter, more concentrated lobster flavor compared to the milder, blander taste of warm water tails.
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Texture – Warm water tails have softer flesh and tend to be more mushy, while North Atlantic tails are firmer with a pleasant chew.
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Sustainability – Overfishing is a big concern with some warm water species like Caribbean lobster. North Atlantic fisheries are better regulated.
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Price – With their premium status, North Atlantic tails cost noticeably more per pound compared to warm water tails.
While warm water tails are certainly cheaper, many find the superior flavor and texture of North Atlantic tails to be worth the extra cost for a special occasion.
Cooking and Eating North Atlantic Lobster Tails
North Atlantic lobster tails are versatile and lend themselves to simple preparation to let their natural sweetness shine:
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Grill, broil, or bake in the shell to lock in moisture and flavor
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Roast on a sheet pan in the oven
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Saute shelled meat in brown butter or olive oil
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Stuff in ravioli
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Bake shelled meat with breadcrumbs or Ritz cracker topping
Some tips for cooking:
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Split shell before cooking for easy meat removal
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Brush with butter or oil to baste while cooking
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Cook shelled side down first to prevent overcooking
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Cook just until opaque throughout
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Avoid heavy seasonings or sauces that will mask the flavor
The richness of the lobster meat is the star of the show and should take center stage when cooking these premium tails.
Is the Price Worth It?
With prices ranging from $9 for a 4-6oz tail up to $50+ for a jumbo 20oz tail, North Atlantic lobster certainly demands a premium price. Whether or not they are worth the splurge depends on your budget and how much you value excellent seafood.
For special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays, flavorful North Atlantic tails can provide a real treat and elegant indulgence. The sweet taste and delicate texture when cooked properly is tough to match.
However, for everyday seafood meals, the price may be hard to justify. Warm water tails provide a more affordable way to enjoy lobster at a fraction of the cost. While the flavor is not as robust, they can still make for an enjoyable, casual seafood dinner.
At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preferences and budget. For die-hard lobster fans with a little extra money to spend, North Atlantic tails deliver an exceptional dining experience worth the price. But warm water tails remain a more budget-friendly option for frequent lobster dinners at home.
Where to Buy Quality North Atlantic Lobster Tails
Since freshness and handling make a big impact on flavor and texture, purchasing North Atlantic lobster tails from a reputable source is key. Here are some good options to buy premium quality tails:
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Local seafood markets – Check for tails fresh off the boat
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Online retailers like Great Alaska Seafood – Offer overnight shipping
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High-end grocers like Whole Foods – Some carry live and frozen lobster
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Direct from lobster docks – Buy straight from the source
It’s best to avoid non-specialty big box stores, as their turnover rate is lower. Paying a bit more for the real deal from cold North Atlantic waters is worth it for the best flavor and texture.
The Verdict: Worth the Hype?
After looking deeply into all aspects of North Atlantic vs. warm water lobster tails, I can confidently say that North Atlantic tails live up to their reputation. What you get for the price is unmatched – beautifully sweet flavor, tender yet firm texture, and that ocean-fresh taste of the cold North Atlantic.
While the cost may limit enjoyment to special occasions, North Atlantic lobster tails provide an incredible indulgence for true lobster lovers. If you appreciate quality seafood and want to taste what lobster is meant to taste like, then yes, North Atlantic lobster tails are absolutely worth the hype and the splurge.
Why Nitrogen Freezing Is Better
Thanks to our nitrogen freezing process, our lobster tails, when properly handled, can be virtually indistinguishable from fresh lobster tails. This method also prevents the meat from sticking to the shell when thawed overnight in the refrigerator. Learn more about the benefits of our nitrogen freezing process.
Learn How To Cook Lobster Tails With Ease!
Check out our step by step instructions on how to cook lobster tails written by Julian and team… check out our special local guest Vanessa Seeder with our video walk throughs!
Maine LOBSTER vs Florida LOBSTERS Cookoff – OMG!!
FAQ
Is North Atlantic lobster good?
Known for their sweet flavor and tender meat, these wild North Atlantic lobsters thrive in cold, shallow waters where there are many rocks and other places to hide from predators.
Which is the best tasting lobster tail?
South African lobster tails are renowned worldwide for their incredible sweetness and tender texture. Once you try these incredible tails you’ll be hooked!
Is Caribbean or North Atlantic lobster better?
Amount of Meat: Maine Lobster offers more meat overall, particularly from its claws, while Caribbean Spiny Lobster provides firm, flavorful meat primarily from the tail. Taste: Maine Lobster boasts a tender, buttery flavor, whereas Caribbean Spiny Lobster offers a slightly sweeter and firmer taste.
Is North Atlantic lobster the same as Maine lobster?
The American lobster (Homarus americanus) is a species of lobster found on the Atlantic coast of North America, chiefly from Labrador to New Jersey. It is also known as Atlantic lobster, Canadian lobster, true lobster, northern lobster, Canadian Reds, or Maine lobster.
Are cold water lobster tails good?
Cold water tails come from the North Atlantic and are known for their firmer texture and sweeter flavor. When choosing a lobster tail, it’s important to consider your cooking method and personal taste preferences. If you’re planning to grill or broil your lobster tail, go for a cold water tail as it will hold up better to the heat.
What is the best lobster tail to eat?
Maine lobster and rock lobster are two of the most popular types of lobster tails to eat. But the best Lobster tails are the freshest ones you can find. Look for ones that come with a bright red shell and a sweet smell. Is a Rock Lobster bigger than a Maine lobster? A Rock Lobster is smaller than a Maine lobster.
What type of lobster tails does Lobster Anywhere offer?
At Lobster Anywhere, we only buy and ship Maine and Canadian lobster tails. Our tails are culled from only hard-shell lobsters — so you know you are getting your money’s worth. Lobster tails are perfect for any celebration.
Where do lobster tails come from?
These lobsters are typically found in deep, cold waters, such as those off the coast of Maine, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. Because they take longer to mature in the cold water, they tend to have larger, meatier tails. On the other hand, warm water lobster tails are generally smaller and have a slightly different taste.
Where can you find warm water lobster tails?
You’ll find 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. Warm water lobster tails will always be cheaper because they lack the quality and superior taste of frozen lobster tails from colder waters like Maine and Canada.
What are the different types of lobster tails?
When it comes to lobster tails, there are two main types: cold water and warm water. The type of lobster tail you choose can greatly affect its taste and texture, which ultimately impacts your overall dining experience. Cold water lobster tails are known for their sweet and succulent flavor, with a firm, meaty texture.