Is Canadian Lobster Cheaper Than Maine Lobster?

Lobster lovers have long debated the merits of lobsters from different regions, but two areas in particular often spark heated discussion – Maine and Canada. While both produce high-quality crustaceans, Canadian lobster does tend to be more budget-friendly for consumers. But what factors account for the price differences between Maine and Canadian lobster? Let’s take a closer look.

A Brief Lobster Geography Lesson

First, a quick lobster geography primer. Maine and Canadian lobsters belong to the same species, Homarus americanus. This tasty creature inhabits the rocky, cold, shallow Atlantic waters off the Northeastern coasts of the U.S. and Canada. While their geographic ranges overlap, Maine lobsters come from the warmer waters off the U.S. state of Maine. Canadian lobsters originate from the colder seas near Canada’s Maritime provinces.

Why Is Canadian Lobster Cheaper?

On average, fresh Canadian lobster retails for $6 to $10 per pound less than Maine lobster. Several key reasons help explain the savings:

• Lower Demand – Maine lobster enjoys an almost cult-like following, with foodies willing to pay premium prices. The cachet and familiarity of Maine lobster across the US stokes demand. Canadian lobster, while still popular, simply doesn’t command the same devotion.

• Higher Supply – Canada’s lobster fishery is over twice the size of Maine’s. In 2020, Canada hauled in over 150 million pounds of lobster compared to Maine’s 56 million pounds. More abundant supply helps keep Canadian lobster prices affordable.

• Weaker Canadian Dollar – Exchange rates fluctuate, but the Canadian dollar has trended weaker than the U.S. dollar in recent decades. This makes Canadian lobster more economical for America’s lobster importing industry.

• Trade Advantage – A free trade agreement gives Canadian lobster exporters duty-free access to U.S markets This preferential trade access offers Canadian companies a pricing edge.

• Lower Labor Costs – Canada’s seafood processing industry operates with lower labor costs compared to the U.S. This translates into savings that allow Canadian companies to offer competitively priced lobster.

Taste and Quality Differences

With Canadian lobster decidedly cheaper, does that mean it’s inferior in taste and texture? Not necessarily. Here’s a quick taste test rundown:

• Hard vs Soft Shells – Canadian lobsters tend to have harder shells, while Maine lobsters boast softer shells. Soft shells make it easier to extract sweet lobster meat.

• Sweetness – The rich taste of Maine lobster has a slight edge in sweetness over Canadian lobster due to regional temperature differences. But both provide pleasing flavor.

• Texture – The tender, succulent texture of Maine lobster meat bests the slightly firmer texture of Canadian lobster. Still, Canadian lobster offers an enjoyable creamy, smooth mouthfeel.

• Timeliness Matters – Ensure lobsters are alive immediately before cooking, properly handled during shipping, and cooked soon after receipt for optimal quality, regardless of origin.

• Preparation Is Key – Proper preparation and cooking techniques profoundly impact the final flavor and texture of any lobster.

While nuanced differences exist, both Maine and Canadian lobsters can provide exceptional eating experiences. Let budget, availability, and usage guide your choices.

How To Pick The Right Lobster For You

Keep these tips in mind when selecting your perfect lobster:

• Consider your budget – Opt for Canadian if price is paramount or splurge on Maine to indulge in a quintessential lobster feast.

• Check for freshness – Seek lobsters that are actively moving and have a shiny appearance. Avoid any with an ammonia-like odor.

• Examine the shell – Pick lobsters with hard, rigid shells if cooking right away or softer shells for transport and delayed preparation.

• Scope out size – Petite 1-pound lobsters offer tender meat while 2-pounders bear impressive, meaty claws.

• Match the use – Select lobsters with generous claws for cracking and smaller tails for cooking whole.

• Seek sustainability – Request lobster sourced from well-managed fisheries, identified via certification. This supports healthy lobster populations.

With prices ranging from $8-$18 per pound for Canadian lobster and $12-$28 for Maine lobster, budget considerations may guide many choices. But with sound selection and handling, lobster lovers can enjoy exemplary taste and texture regardless of origin. The lobster debate wages on, but individual preferences and priorities ultimately determine the winner.

Maintaining the Lobster Population

In America, catching lobsters is a regulated activity that fishers have to abide by. Legal rules say that fishermen must measure each lobster that comes up in their lobster pot. To figure out the size of a lobster, you have to measure it from the eyes to the end of its shell.

For a successful catch, the minimum length of a lobster should be above 8.5 centimeters. If it is below the required 8.5 centimeters, the captor must release it back to the ocean as it is still growing. Also, if a lobster is more than 13 centimeters long, it should be sent back to the sea because that’s a great size for breeding. This greatly helps maintain and grow the lobster population.

A Brief History of Our Beloved Crustaceans

In times past, lobsters were abundant and deemed a non-desirable food group. They were usually used as bait, livestock feed, and prison food. So how did this food group become a delicacy of today?

In the 1800s, cooked and canned lobsters were sent to the army as food during the Civil War. People who ate these canned lobsters liked them, but they didn’t know they were eating something traditionally considered unappealing.

People began traveling to New England to eat fresh lobsters, which is how the dish transitioned from cheap to fancy. Demand rose as people started craving lobsters in their own countries.

As the appetite for fresh lobsters grew, so did the need to transport them live to meet demand. Because of logistics, lobsters are now a treat that we can enjoy in many places globally.

While nuances exist between lobsters from Maine and Canada, they remain closely related crustaceans inhabiting the same cold northwest Atlantic waters. Factors like supply, demand, and water temperature account for differences in price, texture, and flavor. Yet with proper handling and cooking, both can provide exceptional eating experiences. Let your budget, taste preferences, and planned uses guide your lobster choices. And support sustainable lobster fishing to keep these iconic delicacies available for generations to come.