Why Buy Lobster Tails?

Buying lobster tails is a fun and unique way to prepare a special meal for loved ones or friends. Lobster is high in protein and low in fat, and contains a healthy amount of calcium and iron.

When shopping for lobster tails, pay close attention to the color. Avoid any tails that are dull or yellowing.

Health Benefits

Lobster tails are a great source of protein and many important vitamins and minerals. In addition, they are low in fat and calories. The health benefits of lobster tails include heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids, which are good for your brain and help prevent depression. They are also high in niacin, which can reduce cholesterol levels and boost your immune system.

When choosing lobster tails, be sure to look for cold water ones. They are generally less expensive than warm water ones and have a better flavor. Avoid buying tails that have been glazed with sodium tripolyphosphate, as this is a preservative that can make the lobster taste bitter.

Eating lobster can help you increase your intake of vitamin B12. This nutrient helps the red blood cells function properly and maintains the nervous system. It can even help ward off Alzheimer’s disease. Lobster meat also contains copper, which can help prevent osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Cooking Tips

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a regular dinner, lobster tails are an elegant and flavorful addition to any meal. The key is to choose quality lobster and to cook it properly. While fresh is always preferred, All Recipes notes that frozen lobster tails are quite comparable in quality to their fresh counterparts. Frozen lobster tails can be cooked by boiling, steaming, baking or grilling.

When buying lobster tails, look for a white color and a firm texture. Avoid any with black spots. This may indicate the lobster was dead prior to freezing and won’t taste good. Also, check the tails for a dark line down their center. This is the lobster’s intestinal tract, and while it is safe to eat, it doesn’t taste very good.

To boil lobster tails, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the tails. Boil for about 1 minute per ounce, and drain before serving.

Alternatives

Frozen lobster tails are available at many grocery stores, and most major seafood and wholesale food clubs carry them. Lobster lovers often prefer frozen tails to fresh ones because they can easily be prepared with a simple thaw and a quick cook.

When buying frozen lobster tails, consumers should pay close attention to the label. Some processors inject the meat with water or a solution that helps keep them firmer in storage. This is done for economical reasons but can be detrimental to the quality of the lobster.

Another concern is the use of sodium tripolyphosphate in the preparation of the tails. This is used for the same reason but can reduce the lobster’s flavor and texture. When shopping for lobster tails, shoppers should look for low sodium content.

Nutritional Information

While seafood such as salmon and mackerel may receive all the accolades for providing omega-3 fatty acids, lobster can be an excellent source of this important nutrient. It also contains selenium and other essential vitamins and minerals. According to this MNT Knowledge Center feature, a 3-ounce serving of lobster tail has only 82 calories and 19 grams of protein, which makes it an ideal protein choice for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

It is important to note that not all lobster is equal. If you are buying frozen lobster tails (which can be more affordable than fresh) it is vital to know whether you are purchasing cold water or warm water tails.

Cold water tails will likely cost more, but they are better tasting and contain less fat than their warm water counterparts. Additionally, they have a lower chance of being soaked in sodium tripoyphosphate before freezing to preserve their texture and appearance.