National Lobster Day
We observe National Lobster Day on September 25 to celebrate a crustacean with a tremendous journey from a humble prison food to a luxurious delicacy.
The history of lobsters is a fascinating and extraordinary rags-to-riches story, highlighting their transformation from being considered a lowly meal for prisoners to becoming a sought-after gourmet delight.
National Lobster Day appreciates the complicated process of lobster fishing, the cultural significance of this awesome seafood, and the joy it brings to seafood lovers across the world.
Whether you’re savoring a classic lobster roll, indulging in a rich lobster bisque, or simply enjoying the sweet, succulent meat with a drizzle of butter, this day is a celebration of all things lobster.
Origin of National Lobster Day
National Lobster Day has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century when it was first created as an excuse to enjoy this delectable crustacean.
Initially celebrated on June 15, the date was officially moved to September 25 in 2015, when U.S. Senators Angus King and Susan Collins of Maine declared it as National Lobster Day.
This designation honors the significance of lobster to Maine's heritage and seafood industry. Whether you’re cracking claws or savoring lobster thermidor, National Lobster Day is the perfect occasion to indulge in some lobster goodness!
History of Lobsters
Humans have been consuming lobsters since time immemorial and evidence can be found in huge piles of lobster shells near early fishing communities that highlight the crustacean's popularity.
Lobsters were daily consumed in the fishing communities along the shores of South Africa, Britain, Australia, and Papua New Guinea.
Lobster became an important source of nutrients that often serves as a primary food source for European coastal dwellers, especially in Britain.
During the mid to late Roman period, lobster showed up as a popular mid-tier delicacy. The price of lobster varied widely, but it was regularly transported inland to meet popular demand.
A Pompeii mosaic suggests that spiny lobsters were of significant interest to the Roman population during the ancient imperial period.
In ancient Peru, the Moche people (50 CE - 800 CE) utilized lobster, and used its shells for dyes, tools, ornaments, with a lobster-shaped vessel highlighting its significance.
Consumption of lobsters and other shellfish significantly increased during the Viking period in Northern Europe due to advancements in marine activities. However, lobster's short shelf life limited its availability to inland areas, making it a luxury for the wealthy.
Lobster first appeared in medieval cookbooks like “Le Viandier de Taillevent” (circa 1300) and “Le Ménagier de Paris” (1393), reflecting its popularity among the upper classes. By the late 17th century, it gained status as a delicacy with advancements in fishing and transportation.
In North America, lobster was initially seen as food of poverty, commonly served to prisoners and indentured servants. However, by the mid-19th century, New Yorkers and Bostonians began to appreciate it, leading to the expansion of commercial lobster fisheries.
Most Popular Lobster Dishes
- Boiled Maine Lobster from Maine involves boiling lobsters in sea salt-seasoned water, with notable spots including Thurston’s Lobster Pound and Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier.
- Lobster Roll from Maine features lobster meat drizzled with melted butter in hot dog rolls, with popular places like The Clam Shack and Red’s Eats.
- Astakomakaronada from Skyros, Greece, is lobster in a tomato-based sauce served over spaghetti, commonly enjoyed on Skyros Island.
Celebrate National Lobster Day
The perfect way to celebrate National Lobster Day is by taking a trip to Maine where you can visit the Maine Lobster Museum in Bar Harbor and savor some of the freshest lobster available.
Maine which is renowned as the lobster capital of the United States, offers the perfect backdrop for this celebration.
Another great way to mark the occasion is by having a lobster feast with family and friends.
Whether you opt for a luxurious dinner at a seafood restaurant or prepare a lobster feast at home, the interactive experience of cracking open lobster shells adds a fun and memorable touch to the meal.
Interesting Lobster Facts
- Lobsters can live up to 50 years in the wild if not harvested.
- They are omnivores, eating both plants and other sea creatures.
- Lobsters often eat their own shells after molting to recycle nutrients.
- Lobster consumption is highest in New England, especially Maine.
- Lobsters have been a culinary staple in the Northeast since the 19th century.
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