Soft vs Hard-Shelled Lobsters
– What is a New-Molt Lobster?
Years ago, I came across the term “new-molt” lobster. It was on a sign above a tank of fresh caught New England lobsters. The price was different, and I was curious about why. I inquired and soon learned that “new-molt” is the term used by seamen for soft-shelled lobsters. Therefore, a new-molt is the same as a soft-shelled one.
New-molt describes the process by which crustaceans grow. About every couple or few months, more for younger lobsters and less for older ones, a lobster sheds its outer protective shell, called its exoskeleton. They do this, because they have grown on the inside and have produced a new soft shell. The lobster breaks out of its loveold shell (a stressful process), and the new shell is exposed. At first, the new shell is soft. Over time, it will harden. This is what determines how we define lobsters in terms of cooking and eating.
People have differing opinions on which they prefer. I prefer soft-shelled lobsters, as they are easy for me to crack and break into, especially with the claws. Humorous now, but at the time not, I had finally taken a large hammer to frustratingly beat away at a couple of large claws. Others prefer the hard-shelled, because they find it fun to really have to work at getting to the sweet, buttery meat. They also like hard-shelled lobsters, because there is more meat within each lobster. It has grown and filled out its shell. Since lobsters are sold almost always by the pond, I simply just choose a slightly larger lobster.
Speaking of price, new-molt lobsters are less expensive than hard-shelled. New-molt lobster shells can crack easily on rocks in the ocean and also if too many are placed together in one tank. Therefore, the place of business wants a quick turn over for the new-molts. I was paying only $5.00 a pound for soft-shelled lobsters!
That is an incredible, fantastic price.
Lastly, there is debate on which one tastes better. I believe this is like “barn talk” or “garage talk.” It’s “lobster talk” among lobster lovers. I personally believe that they both taste great! You can try both, and then, compare and contrast each with your “lobster talk.” Have fun!
image credits – photos by melaniekaren
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