POLL: Lobster aversions...and other puzzlements

[lorilei]

Based on the response to the July issue (and the article/recipes for lobster), I would venture to say we have a lot of people out there who /don't/ like lobster. I had no idea! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

I'm interested to know more about this.

Is it generally a "seafood" aversion?
Or is it simply a dislike for lobster itself?

Does the price affect your opinion? Or would you pass it up even if it were more affordable?

I'm a dyed-in-the-wool lobster fanatic. Would eat the stuff frequently if the price wasn't so prohibitive http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by lorilei (edited 06-19-2001).]

[HDgirl]

I'm with you. I have had lobster all my life and love it. I can't think of any seafood I don't eat.

[SandyM]

I understand there's a sickness you can acquire from eating too much shellfish.

If I lived in Maine, where it is inexpensive and plentiful, I would have to be hospitalized, I'm certain of it.

It is very pricey here in Michigan, so only on the rarest of occasions (anniversary, birthday) will I indulge.

[valeriek]

My aversion to lobster is strictly a mental thing.
Number 1. Lobsters have always been described to me as the cockroaches of the sea. Every time I see a lobster, I think of a giant cockroach - bad visual.
Number 2. I can't imagine sticking a live creature into a boiling pot of water. I know that they feel no pain (at least, I've been told that, but how do we know they feel no pain?), and my BF keeps reminding me that we are at the top of the food chain, but I just can't get over how they spend their last days - stuck in a tank with rubber bands around their claws waiting to die in a big pot of boiling water.

That is why I can't eat lobster.

By the way, I am a former vegetarian who has started to eat meat again (I eat a portion about once a month on average). However, whenever I am eating chicken, all I can think about are feathers. Makes for an upset tummy. I think I need help!!!!

[mb]

i never really liked seafood at all. it used to gross me out to watch my parents eating lobster and crab legs and all of that anyhow. recently, i started eating shrimp. i tried lobster on a cruise about a year ago, but i didn't feel like it was anything special (gasp! i know...) maybe i will try it again. it seems like lobster is one of those things you either LOVE or hate. i just think it is 'ok'...

[KathrynY]

I love lobster, but prefer to eat it out rather than cook it at home (although I haven't yet received my July issue so that article may convince me to give it a try).
My problem with whole lobster is the work involved in getting to the meat. It's ok if you're sitting at a picnic table, but at a nice restaurant it's entirely too much mess to bother with. Plus the meat is usually cold by the time I actually get to it - maybe I need to work on my lobster picking technique. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[emilycat]

I was actually really excited to see the lobster section in the July issue , since I love to eat them -- however, I'm not sure I will ever prepare any of the recipes, precisely because of one of the reasons valerie mentioned. There is NO WAY I could put a live creature into a pot of boiling water. Somehow I manage to get past that image when they're served to me in a restaurant, either whole, or in a bouillabaisse or pasta dish, but I'm not sure I could cook them myself. Perhaps if the nice fishmonger were to do the dirty work for me http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[aggie94]

Ditto Emily's post. I love seafood, with the exceptions of catfish and monkfish (and that darn allergy to shrimp), and would eat it all the time if good, fresh seafood weren't so expensive. But the idea of boiling a live creature really gives me the heebie-jeebies. If I can't pick it up from the fish market dead, I won't be making it at home.

[SandyM]

Ummmm.....they're cooked live?????

No, I didn't just crawl out from under a rock, but jeez......I had no idea.........

[Maggie]

I'm with valeriek! I absolutely can't get past the cooked alive thing. I hate to even walk by the tank of lobsters at the supermarket and see them in there with rubberbands on their claws. I'm all yecky just thinking about it.

Okay, and I'm a vegetarian, so I wouldn't eat it anyway. But even when I did eat meat, I couldn't handle lobster.

[Leanne]

I'm with Emily et al - I LOVE lobster, but would NEVER be able to pop one in a boiling pot of water. (I wouldn't eat chicken or beef either if I had to kill it myself!)

[heatherfeather]

I love lobster and can't wait to see the July issue. I grew up eating lobster and remember my Mom getting the pot ready to boil. You can get fresh lobster steamed free at many supermarkets and then bring it home to use in recipes. It really is quite easy to just boil them - it depends upon the size, but I think it was until they turned red - which took almost 10 minutes. It's been a long time since I lived in an area with readily available fresh lobster. However - I just moved to CA and there is abundant seafood. Most of the lobster recipes probably could use crabmeat or shrimp instead of lobster, and I'll bet you could even try using the fake lobster meat from the grocery store in some of the recipes.

[HDgirl]

Had to chime in again. I never eat lobster out...always at home..so obviously don't have a problem with plunging them in boiling water. However, I have always wanted to do a baked stuffed thing...I have a problem chopping them up while they are alive.

In my mind I do see a difference.

[Ralph]

Originally posted by emilycat:
There is NO WAY I could put a live creature into a pot of boiling water. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

Perhaps this will be of some help. Good Eats just did a recent show on lobster. Alton recommended putting the live lobsters in the freezer for a little bit (15-20 minutes). That puts them to sleep. Then his cooking method is NOT boiling, but steaming them! (He makes a good argument that to boil a lobster requires about 1 gallon of water per lobster, and that takes 1-2 hours to come to a boil!) His method involves putting a bunch of rocks in the bottom of a large pot, covering with about an inch of water, & boiling that. Then just set the lobs on top of the rocks to cook - in about 10 seconds, they're dead!

Here is the link to the transcript from that show. The cooking method is detailed in scene 5. http://www.goodeatsfanpage.com/Season4/LobsterTranscript.htm

[LGBurns]

I was one of those luke-warm about the July issue and the lobster article. This was not due to my aversion to lobster, but rather because it is highly unlikely that I am going to buy lobster to cook at home (too expensive!).
As to boiling them alive, from my experience with crab I understand that you can take a sharp chef's knife, position right over the crab/lobster's medulla oblongata (which is just where their head and neck meet) and stab down hard and quickly. This kills them instantly, with no pain and if done right before putting them in the pot results in the same flavor as cooking them alive (since the point is to have them as fresh as possible).
BTW, all this talk of cooking live lobster reminds me of the scene in Annie Hall where the lobsters have gotten loose in the kitchen and Woody Allen is running away from them. LOL

[gertdog]

Before I became vegetarian, I ate some kinds of seafood, but lobster really creeped me out. My parents love it, and so I grew up watching them eat and savor it. I loved seeing the live lobster when it came home from wherever my dad got it, but I couldn't stand seeing it go into that pot!

I get Cook's Illustrated, and several years ago they had a two page pictorial spread on how to systematically prepare a lobster for cooking and eating. I can't think of anything I've ever seen in a food magazine that grossed me out more!

I guess I was destined to become a vegetarian! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Melman]

I absolutely love lobster, but I haven't had any in about 12 or 13 years!!! The last lobster dinner I had was cooked on a stove in Maine...the lobster came right off the boat about a half mile from the cabin...and it remains the most wonderful meal in my (sort of) recent memory!! I live in SC. You can't get lobster like that down here. Not a chance. I'm headed to New England this summer on vacation so I'm HOPING I might be able to have a wonderful lobster meal at that time.

Could I cook one?? Dunk it in that boiling water or toss it on the steaming rocks? For those of you who saw the Good Eats show, I have a REALLY difficult time seeing myself ask the fish-dude if I could please pick up one of the lobsters so I could check it for weight, etc. That just not going to happen!!! I stood in front of a lobster tank last week and tried to imagine actually picking one up. HA!

So...yes, I could definitely eat lobster...but someone else is going to have to cook it!!!

[Vanessa]

I enjoy seafood. Yrs ago I got really sick eating lobster. Since then I have not really gone out of my way to eat it.We went to Maine and DH ate lobsters but I ate some other seafood.

[Wendy w]

I love lobster but it is an occasional extravagance and I would NEVER make it at home.

[beejayw1]

I used to love lobster, but it started really disagreeing with me. So when I have friends visiting (I live in New England) I urge them to enjoy lobster, and I enjoy watching them.

Now I make do with crab, which is almost as good.

Diana

[Grace]

This was a really funny thread. I found myself laughing out loud at almost every post. Not only is this board informative, it's ENTERTAINING! Thanks guys.... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Jewel]

I have to tell you all this...about 20 years ago my best friend and I in California (at age 19) got a wee bit toasted on Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill wine, got the munchies, and decided to walk down to Safeway about 1:00am to pick up some Doritos and Onion Dip. I remember us walking around in the store giggling our heads off, trying not to attract attention, which we were having no luck at accomplishing. We passed by the Lobster tank, and I remember my buddy starting to cry about those poor little things who were all cooped up just waiting to be boiled. We got this bright idea to set all three of them free. Their claws were banded, and she was a tomboy that didn't mind touching them, so I lifted the top off the tank and she reached in to pull them out.

We were laughing uncontrollably as we watched those little guys try to navigate down Aisle #3! We ran out as fast as we could forgetting about the Doritos and Onion Dip. I don't think we realized until we got home that we had basically killed the little fellows ANYWAY because we had taken them out of the water! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif She started crying again, and the only way to console her was to call the store and confess...anonymously of course!

I just would have loved to see the old lady in the cereal aisle look up and see this little lobster waddling toward her! Were we evil or what? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/rolleyes.gif

[This message has been edited by Jewel (edited 06-19-2001).]

[Gail]

Jewel,

That really sounds like something out of a movie, you know. One of those great scenes I can really relate to. I've always had a secret desire to free those poor captive crustaceans, staring at us dismally through the murky waters of their tank, climbing around fretfully on each other in search of a way out of their watery cell. My husband and I refer to them as "the boys" and for whatever reason, always seem to have a need to greet them as we pass.

Someone recently suggested to me that lobsters are ugly. I dunno. I think they're kinda cute-- especially when imagined scampering down the supermarket aisle.



[This message has been edited by Gail (edited 06-19-2001).]

[joyous]

Many stores that have live lobsters for sale will steam them for you, often at no charge. That would be the way I'd have to go. I just couldn't do it myself.

As for eating out, I would prefer to deal with cracking a lobster than dealing with a whole crawfish. Frankly, any food whose instructions for eating begin with "First, you twist off the head," just don't get my appetite roaring. All that work for a little tiny bite of meat?

[Denise]

I have to agree with the majority here....even getting a fresh lobster in CO is unlikely and quite expensive if you can find one! And then the whole idea of cooking it alive - no thanks! I'll just pass on the lobster article.

[Beth]

I haven't eaten a lot of lobster, but what I've had hasn't impressed me that much. Along the Gulf Coast, I'd rather have wonderful fresh shrimp (which I think have more flavor), and on the West Coast, I'll go for crab. If I'm ever on the East Coast and the opportunity to have fresh lobster presents itself, I'm willing to give it a try.

In addition to the thoughts above, I've alawys been turned off by seeing lobster dipped in butter.

[crc77]

God, I love lobster! I went for a week to New England and ate lobster so many ways and at least once a day.
I understand that people like or dislike foods for any number of reasons but I don't understand not liking lobster simply because you steam it. Do you eat crab, soft shell crab or any other living thing besides plants? Just curious. I have never prepare live lobster myself yet because of the above reason- I did feel a just a bit uncomfortable when I steam crabs.

[Tina_B]

Growing up on the West Coast always provided the opportunity to each a lot of crab. Nowadays I still prefer crab to lobster. Unfortunately, I can't cook it myself, as it brings back memories of the poor little crabs being boiled to death. They make a nasty hissing sound when the water enters the shell.

[KathrynY]

Originally posted by joyous:
All that work for a little tiny bite of meat?

joyous - LOL! That was exactly my thought the first time I had fresh crawfish!

[Lisa W]

I really, really, really don't like eating most seafood. My father used to fish for lobster and he would bring a bucket of them home every Saturday to cook. I would leave. The smell made me ill. When I got older I dated a guy who used to lobster fish with his father. I would go out with them once in a while and my job would be to "ban the markets"....you know, put those rubber bands on the claws of the big lobsters! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif I used to like going out on the boat. We would leave at around 3:00 am and work until about noon.

[rinsav]

I don't eat any type of seafood...I just don't like the stuff, believe it or not. My boyfriend is the same way. He claims our moto is, "if it swam, we don't eat it." It's amazing we found each other in this seafood-loving world! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Julie A]

I'm confused...there are stores that sell lobsters that will steam them, and I remember arguing with the people saying that steaming was crueler than boiling. It seems like a slower way to go. However, what I'm reading on this post is that it's not.

All this talk makes me want to be vegetarian.

[BlueMoose]

Pretty much everything valeriek said.

Can you imagine going to a nice restaurant and being served an entire intact chicken with the head and feet and feathers........

[BosunsWife]

I guess I have no problem with throwing live things into a pot LOL!

I never had lobster until I met my DH. He was born in Maine and raised in Connecticut. He brought us some live ones back (to Washington State) from RI when he was visiting his parents. I thought they were the best things ever. When we lived on the East Coast for seven years we ate them A LOT. Same goes for blue crabs.

Now as for all other crustaceans, I was raised in Washington State and ate Dungeness Crab almost weekly (it seems LOL). Same deal with the cooking of them. Thow 'em in the pot and cook 'em til they turn red!

Mmmmm! I love seafood. We are raising our daughter with the same love for it that DH and I have. Its good and good for you. Unless I suppose that you have a cholesterol problem.

[carolyn.1]

Its funny that I came across this topic today. My DH and I had live Maine lobster for the very first time last night for dinner. A friend of ours is an airplane pilot, he has a customer in my area (Charleston) that has property in Maine and she hires him to fly her to Maine a few times a year to get lobster. She usually gives him a couple of cases free (can you imagine) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif
So to make a long story short, DH and I had 2 lobsters a piece. We eat Blue Crabs by the dozen which I have to admit I like better than the lobster. IMO the crab is more flavorful, lobster is very rich and meaty. I am probably just not used to it, but I still prefer Blue Crabs over lobster.
I always wondered what the taste was like. Now I know.
My two cents worth.
Carolyn--

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by Gail:
My husband and I refer to them as "the boys" and for whatever reason, always seem to have a need to greet them as we pass.


Hmmmm...when my husband says "the boys", he's not usually referring to lobster...

And for all of those who don't want to cook live lobsters....isn't that what nicely packaged lobster tails are for???

Sam's Club has them - a bit pricey but worth every penny to avoid the dastardly deed.

[emilycat]

Hmmmm...when my husband says "the boys", he's not usually referring to lobster...

ROFL, lindrusso -- thanks http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[gabbyh]

lindrusso,
Tell your hubby it's "the lads" according to my Aussie husband...we are cracking up!!!

[HDgirl]

speaking about boys...anyone ever order a male lobster? (SO is whimpy about roe.) It never crossed my mind..but he always requests that. So he always gets the lobster..I feel strange asking!!!

[SandyM]

I only get lobster at a reputable restaurant, and I ask the server to "prepare" it for me. Some people enjoy sucking the green crud outta the head (delicacy my hiney). I just want to see the tail and the the claws on my plate, thank you very much.

Sorry to all of you vegetarians for that disgusting visual.

[Leanne]

Originally posted by HDgirl:
speaking about boys...anyone ever order a male lobster? (SO is whimpy about roe.) It never crossed my mind..but he always requests that. So he always gets the lobster..I feel strange asking!!!




I got a female once with roe - yick. It makes the lobster tatse funny & it's also tougher. Everyone elses' lobsters were yummy - just not mine.

[AndreaU]

I love lobster, though I usually won't order it out (too messy & I don't want to have to work when I go out!). I only started eating lobster when I was out of high school & out of my picky eating habits. My husband, on the other hand, won't touch it! His family is from Maine- we go there at least once a year- and he's the only one who won't eat lobster or any other shellfish. He definitely has a crustacean aversion! "Nothing that crawls on the ocean floor- No bottom feeders!" to quote DH!

[Alisa]

I grew up in a fishing village where lobster was more common than beef - coming home to a pot on the stove with a lobster claw sticking out of it was no big deal - sometimes Dad would let them crawl around on the floor to freak us out (this won't kill them Jewel!) Strangely, I have never been able to cook them myself and always buy them precooked now. I would eat them everyday if my DH liked them - he says they taste boring. (!?!)

[BosunsWife]

The green stuff in a lobster isn't roe, its the tomali (sp). Its actually the lobster's liver (or kidney I can't remember which). It kind of grossed me out when I first started eating them, but I'm used to it now.

[kwormann]

Originally posted by SandyM:
I only get lobster at a reputable restaurant, and I ask the server to "prepare" it for me. Some people enjoy sucking the green crud outta the head (delicacy my hiney). I just want to see the tail and the the claws on my plate, thank you very much.

Sorry to all of you vegetarians for that disgusting visual.

Maybe I need an anatamy lesson, but this stuff is in the HEAD???

[Jewel]

I know we all have our little quirks, and I'm not one to point fingers...considering I get plenty of razzing because I don't like fresh veggies or fruit, and I have to burn my mouth on my food or it isn't hot enough.

But don't you people feel like total animals when you're eating those poor little guys? Did anyone else see Daryl Hannah eat a lobster in "Splash" with Tom Hanks??? Anytime I see anyone in a restaurant eating one of those things I think of her grabbing it off the plate and biting right through the shell. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif I guess I'm trying to imagine the first time you all ate lobster. If my mom had put that animal on my plate when I was a kid and said "Here, Honey, put down that Tater Tot long enough to try THIS!" I would have ran screaming!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[emilycat]

But don't you people feel like total animals when you're eating those poor little guys?

I guess that's how I would feel about having a whole turkey in the oven, buying a leg of lamb or looking at a slab of red flesh on my plate that looks like you could have taken it off my own leg. Those were "poor little guys," too -- and they were all killed much less humanely.
I don't know why, but eating sea creatures has never bothered me -- they're just too foreign, I suppose, for me to think of them as "meat." Completely illogical, I know, but it doesn't bother me.

[This message has been edited by emilycat (edited 06-22-2001).]

[HDgirl]

With this whole "killing" the lobster thing...don't we do the same thing when we pick up meat at the grocery store? It's just that someone else did it and we get to turn a blind eye.

Same thing goes for any fishing people. You catch your fish and gut and filet it. Same thing....no?

[Jewel]

Originally posted by emilycat:
But don't you people feel like total animals when you're eating those poor little guys?

I guess that's how I would feel about having a whole turkey in the oven, buying a leg of lamb or looking at a slab of red flesh on my plate that looks like you could have taken it off my own leg. Those were "poor little guys," too -- and they were all killed much less humanely.
I don't know why, but eating sea creatures has never bothered me -- they're just too foreign, I suppose, for me to think of them as "meat." Completely illogical, I know, but it doesn't bother me.

[This message has been edited by emilycat (edited 06-22-2001).]

I agree with you Emily, I was just kidding. I think it's because when I eat a slab 'o turkey or a steak it doesn't LOOK like a turkey or a cow. Maybe it's total denial, but the sea creatures just look so...whole! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif I think that movie just keeps coming back!! I agree with everyone else, maybe that vegetarian thing isn't looking so bad after all! Is it inhumane to cut an arm off a cornstalk? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/rolleyes.gif