What is the Difference Between Hard Shell and Soft Shell Lobster?
Whether you’re going for taste, size, or price, examine various aspects of lobster to make the best choice for your fancy meal. The exoskeleton of the lobster serves to protect the animal in the ocean and also impacts the flavor. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between these selections, which is better, price points, and other tidbits.
What is Hard Shell Lobster?
Hard shell lobsters are what they sound like - they’re lobsters with a firm shell, meaning they haven’t molted the current exoskeleton. Thus, they have a firm and more protective exterior. This harder shell does contribute to the cooked flavor of the lobster.
Characteristics of hard shell lobster include the following:
- More meat
- Less sweet
- More durable
Hard shell lobsters are packed to the brim with meat, which means you’ll typically pay more but get more product for your investment. It takes more effort to open hard shell lobsters, but the effort is worth it. Hard shell lobsters are also much easier to ship since they’re less likely to get damaged and are often preferred by those who order their seafood.
What is Soft Shell Lobster?
A soft shell lobster is a lobster that has recently shed its exoskeleton, so the exterior is softer and less firm than a hard-shell lobster. The meat tends to be more tender thanks to a higher water intake, but that makes the eating experience messier than an average hard shell lobster.
Characteristics of the soft shell lobster include the following:
- Tender and sweet flavor
- Lower price point
- Easier eating process
- Ideal for locals
A soft shell lobster doesn’t travel well, so they are excellent for those who live in the area where the lobsters are acquired but won’t make it across the country very well for those who live further away. They’re much easier to eat and are far more tender and sweet, which makes them fan favorites for locals.
Is Soft Shell Lobster Better Than Hard Shell?
Soft shell lobsters are typically sweeter and more tender than their hard shell counterparts. That’s the biggest benefit on their side, so if you care about that, soft shell is the winner. However, hard shell generally takes the cake as the top lobster selection.
Hard shell wins because it’s:
- Less likely to arrive expired
- More meaty
- Meaty flavor
- Dense texture more often associated with lobster
It’s typically considered better quality than the soft shell selection because soft shell lobster meat is so variable. Locals tend to be fans of soft shell lobsters because they have easier access to them on the market. Unfortunately, they aren’t as easy for others to access for the freshest experience. Therefore, hard shell lobster is often a top selection and worth the investment for your next lobster dinner.
Why Are Hard Shell Lobsters More Expensive?
Anyone who invests in a hard shell lobster, such as a European Blue Lobster, will notice there is a slightly higher price point. There are a few reasons why you can anticipate paying more for a typical hard shell lobster than a soft shell option.
Hard shell lobsters are more expensive because they are:
- Filled with more meat
- Easier to transfer
- Meatier in flavor
Hard shell lobsters are far pricier than their soft shell counterparts, but that is for a good reason. Soft shell lobsters are excellent if you can get to them, but they’re much trickier to ship. Hard shell lobster is the way to go for a maximum amount of meat for your investment and a product that will arrive at your doorstep in safe, fresh condition.
Which Lobster Has the Sweetest Meat?
While many prefer a meaty taste in their lobster, some love a sweet taste. Not all lobsters are created equal in their flavor profile. If you want a lobster with a sweeter base, there is one way to go.
If you want to find the sweetest possible lobster, go with the Maine lobster. The cold water causes the lobster to remain sweet(even the hard-shell variety), mostly because the temperature prevents the creature from absorbing saltwater. In warmer waters, the salt will soak into the lobster and create a more meaty/less sweet taste.
For those who are consuming lobster as a side, it is also a good idea to grab pre-cooked lobster meat. It’s easy to work with and can often be a mix of both soft and hard shell lobster to give you that perfect in-between taste.
What Size Lobster Has the Best Flavor?
The bigger you go with the flavor profile, the better the flavor profile. They have more meat. Although they aren’t more tender, they can provide a bold palette when cooked correctly. Bigger is better when considering the next lobster on your dinner plate.
Invest in a large lobster if you have a bold dish selection that needs to cook for a long time. On the other hand, if you want the lobster as a subtle side in a less advanced dish, we recommend a smaller one. They will all taste excellent, but it depends on whether you want the lobster as the star or as a side contender.
Where Can You Find High-Quality Lobster?
Most grocery stores have lobster in some format, whether live or in the frozen section, but these options aren’t always very varied, and it may be hard to find a specific type of lobster you would like to enjoy. That’s why we recommend ordering your lobster online from a premium grocer like Kolikof’s.
If you want excellent lobsters and lobster tails, buy them from Kolikof Caviar & Gourmet. You can purchase a wide variety of lobster types, whether you want hard shell, soft shell, or maybe just the tails! No matter what you pick, Kolikof’s will deliver the best quality lobster for your next event right to your door.
