What Are Maine’s Lobsters and Why Are They So Expensive?

Maine is one of the most fascinating states in the USA: it is part of the New England region, on the East Coast right on the border with Canada, and is a suggestive concentration of postcard views made up of red-painted farms, white lighthouses perched on the rocks that characterize the coast, and uncontaminated nature that ranges from the sea to the mountains.

There are two things in particular that Maine is famous for: its gorgeous fall foliage – it’s a top fall destination – and Maine lobster, the most famous dish in all of New England.

Commonly referred to as Maine lobster even though they are actually crawfish (no, they are not the same thing but in English the generic term lobster is used for both), they are a very tasty specialty, a real street food to be enjoyed in the characteristic shacks on the seashore.

But why is Maine lobster so prized and what differentiates this lobster from the European one? Here's everything you need to know about New England's most iconic dish.

What is Maine Lobster and How it it Different From The European One?

The Maine lobster is a particular type of lobster known as the American lobster, whose scientific name is Homarus americanus. It is a species that lives in the cold coastal waters of North America, especially in the Maine region, and although it is related to the European lobster it has some differences.

In particular, it is the taste that changes: the American lobster, in fact, is renowned for having a more delicate flavor that makes it ideal for preparations where it must accompany other dishes without overpowering their flavor. Another difference is that the American lobster is easier to fish, so on a market level it is less rare and more accessible in terms of price compared to the European lobster.

Maine Lobster's History and Fishing

In Maine, lobster fishing has become a true art, an integral part of local culture and the engine of the state's economy. The fishing activity is entrusted to lobstermen, fishermen specialized in fishing for lobsters still using the method with lobster pots, a tradition dating back more than a century.

The custom of fishing and enjoying the American lobster, in fact, dates back to the time of the first settlers, who when they arrived in Maine discovered how abundant lobsters were in its waters. In those years, crustacean fishing was so profitable that lobster was called the poor man's protein, because it was easily accessible even to the lower social classes such as slaves and prisoners.

Before 1700 lobsters were caught directly by hand on the shoreline, but in this century with the growth of the crustacean trade the first boats dedicated to this type of fishing were designed and called smacks. They were designed with special tanks that, thanks to continuous recirculation of water, were able to bring the live lobsters to shore.

The first lobster farm opened in 1876 on Vinalhaven, and the town has played a major role in the lobster trade ever since, with approximately 6,000 lobster boats operating throughout Maine.

Where and How to Eat Maine Lobster

Everywhere along the coast of Maine it is easy to come across shacks, small kiosks often painted red or white and decorated with typical fishing tools, specialized in preparing and serving dishes based on Maine lobster.

The most popular and widespread preparation is the famous lobster roll, a toasted bun spread with butter similar to that used for hot dogs, stuffed with chopped lobster meat, salad and a particular mayonnaise-based sauce. It is the street food par excellence of Maine and you can take it away or eat it on the spot, sitting at the tables that are often set up in front of the shacks.

The lobster roll is now known and served throughout the USA, there are even chains that have spread it to other states, and it exists in many variations, but tasting the original fresh one from Maine is a whole other experience.

Although the lobster roll is the most famous preparation, there are many other recipes based on Maine lobster. Among the most delicious are the New England lobster pie, a savory lobster pie with spices, lobster and blueberries, a typical combination of Maine, and the lobster pot pie, another savory pie with a creamy filling.

The lobster is so important to Maine that every year, between the end of July and the beginning of August, the Maine Lobster Festival is held in the town of Rockland: five days entirely dedicated to the knowledge and tasting of the American lobster, where there is no shortage of parades, floats, musical contests and musical entertainment.