The Rise of Lobsters: From Cockroaches of the Sea to Gourmet Delicacy

🦞Lobsters were once considered a cheap, low-class food but became associated with wealth and a lavish lifestyle.

💰The high price of lobsters is due to their low yield when cleaned and the fluctuating market price.

🌍Climate change has led to longer life cycles and increased fertility for lobsters, potentially impacting their availability and price.

🔍Successfully catching lobsters is challenging, with strict regulations and the need for careful handling and distribution.

🥪Lobster rolls are a popular summertime treat, contributing to the demand and price of lobsters.

Why are lobsters so expensive?

—Lobsters are expensive due to their low yield, expensive distribution process, and slow growth. Only a small percentage of a lobster's weight is edible meat.

How do lobsters become associated with wealth?

—Lobsters were once considered a cheap food for the poor but became associated with wealth and status in Europe. They were often featured in paintings as a symbol of luxury.

Do lobsters grow rapidly?

—No, lobsters grow slowly and take around seven years to reach the required harvesting size. Their slow growth contributes to their high price.

Why is catching lobsters challenging?

—Catching lobsters requires using traps, careful handling, and adherence to regulations. Only lobsters of the right size and gender can be kept.

Will the price of lobsters continue to rise?

—There are concerns about rising lobster prices due to factors such as a potential shortage of bait and increasing costs of distribution. The impact on consumer willingness to pay remains to be seen.

00:04Lobsters are considered pricey, but they were once known as the 'cockroaches of the sea' and even served to prisoners.

00:29American and European lobsters are the most recognizable species.

01:19Lobsters gained popularity in northern Europe and became associated with status and wealth.

03:01Railway transportation in the mid-1800s contributed to the rise in popularity of lobster in the US.

03:59Successful lobster fishing requires careful handling and distribution, as well as adherence to regulations.

06:02Lobster prices have been increasing, and concerns of a shortage in the future raise questions about their affordability.

06:29A shortage of herring, used as bait, could impact lobster availability and further increase their price.

06:42The rising price of lobsters may pose a challenge for restaurants and consumers.