FOOD NEWS
The Difference Between Lobster And Crawfish
BY NIKITA EPHANOV
Lobster and crawfish are two types of crustaceans. While they’re immediately distinguishable by their size, there are a few other worthwhile distinctions between them.
Lobsters are large, saltwater crustaceans that live on the ocean floor. They are found along the Atlantic coastline; some, like spiny lobsters, are in California.
On the other hand, crawfish, crayfish, crawdads, or mudbugs are small, freshwater crustaceans found in small bodies of water from Louisiana up the New England coast.
Crawfish are considered sweeter than lobster and have a naturally less salty flavor. While they’re cheaper, it takes more effort to access their meat since they’re smaller.
In terms of cooking, lobster is steamed, while crawfish is boiled. Due to its size, lobster is often served intact, while crawfish is served in smaller chunks in other dishes.
Crawfish commonly appears in Cajun cuisine and some Italian dishes, while lobster is found in various cuisines, from New England lobster rolls to the Caribbean.
Nutritionally, lobster is high in protein, omega-3s, and vitamin B12 and low in fat but high in cholesterol. Crawfish are high in iron, low in cholesterol, and have fewer omega-3s.