National Lobster Day was started by the Lobster Institute at the University of Maine in 1974. The Lobster Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to research, education, and outreach of lobster and the lobster industry. The day was created to celebrate the lobster industry and the iconic seafood.

And as fate would have it, National Lobster Day is observed during the peak of the lobster season. In the United States, the peak of the season usually starts in late May and runs through late October or early November.

Lobsters have been around and eaten for thousands of years. Ancient cultures such as the Greeks, Romans, and Chinese have all documented the consumption of lobsters. The oldest known lobster recipe was found in a 4th century Roman cookbook called De Re Coquinaria (or On Culinary Matters) by Apicius. The recipe calls for the lobster to be boiled. Once boiled, it should be served with a sauce made from reduced wine and herbs. The herbs used in the recipe are not specified, so cooks can use whatever herbs they prefer. The sauce should be poured over the lobster before serving. That recipe is below:

 

Lobster with Herbed Wine Sauce

Ingredients:

1 Lobster

1 cup White Wine

Assorted Herbs (to taste)

 

Instructions:

1. Boil the lobster in a large pot of water until cooked through.
2. In a separate pot, reduce the white wine over medium heat until it is thickened and reduced.
3. Add the herbs to the wine reduction and stir to combine.
4. Pour the herbed wine sauce over the boiled lobster and serve.

 

 

In the 16th century, lobsters were so plentiful in the North Atlantic Ocean that they were often used as fertilizer and bait. The lobsters were boiled, and the shells were crushed and spread over fields to provide nutrients to the soil. The meat of the lobster was used as bait for fishing and trapping other animals.

In the 19th century, the American lobster industry began to thrive, and by the early 20th century, it was one of the largest fishing industries in the United States. Today, In the United States, an estimated 97 million pounds of lobster are consumed each year. Globally, it is estimated that between 100 and 150 million pounds of lobster are consumed annually.

There are over 100 species of lobster found around the world, but only a few are considered edible. The most commonly eaten species are the American lobster, the European lobster, the Spiny lobster, and the Slipper lobster.

 

Fun Facts About Lobsters

• Lobsters can live up to 100 years although, the world record for the oldest lobster ever caught is 140 years old.
• Lobsters can grow up to 3 feet in length and weigh up to 40 pounds however, The world record for the largest lobster ever caught is 44.4 pounds.
• Lobsters have blue blood.
• Lobsters can regenerate lost limbs.
• Lobsters can crawl forward and backward.
• Lobsters can swim at speeds up to 20 mph.
• Lobsters can climb trees.
• Lobsters can become cannibals.
• The world record for the most lobsters caught in one day is 8,072.
• The world record for the most lobsters eaten in one day is 319.

 

Famous chefs who are known for their lobster recipes include Gordon Ramsay, Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, and Bobby Flay. Lobster is a dish that is considered to be something special. Let us know in the comments one of your favorite special occasions where you had lobster?