Warm Water or Cold Water Lobster Tails

Will you be serving lobster tails? If so, you will certainly need to know how to cook lobster tail, and how to serve it. But first - you will need to decide what kind of lobster tail to buy. Luckily, your choices are simple...

...either cold water lobster tails or warm water lobster tails

Most likely you will be buying frozen lobster tails, although fresh lobster tails may be available on a seasonal basis.

Worldwide, lobster lover's dispute which has the best taste - cold water tails, or warm water tails. My own research tells me that cold water tails are the favorite - preferred not only by the cooks and chefs who prepare lobster recipes, but also by those who enjoy the fruits of their labors.

However, the choice will be yours!

You may also be interested in:
How to Cook Lobster Tail, Types of Lobsters

Cold Water Lobster Tails

Cold water tails, as the name suggests, come from lobsters caught in the cooler waters of the northern Atlantic, as well as off the coasts of New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.

Although they are more expensive than warm water lobster tails, cold water tails tend to be much more consistent in quality - with whiter, sweeter meat that is more tenderer than that of warm water lobsters.

And...

Because their meat is firm, cold water tails are very easy to work with when preparing recipes that require the handling of uncooked lobster meat.

Warm Water Lobster Tails

Yes, as the name implies, warm water lobsters, are caught in areas of the world where the waters are warm. Often, the tails are named after their place of origin...

...California, Florida, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean Sea, the South Pacific, and...

...New Guinea, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.

Typically, warm water tails cost less than cold water tails. Although warm water tails tend to have more meat, the meat if often not as firm, sometimes "mushy", and according to some people, has a "fishier" taste.

When buying cold water lobster tails, or warm water lobster tails... If you see any discoloration, such as black spots, or graying of the meat, do not purchase it. This could signify that the lobsters were not handled properly after being caught.

Words of advice on buying frozen lobster tails, or fresh!...

• When you buy lobster tails be sure to purchase them from a reputable source.
• Beware of heavily discounted prices, as the lower price may reflect inferior quality.
• Know what you are buying. Warm water lobster tails are usually distinguishable by small yellow flecks on their shell, as well as bands of yellow on their tail.
• If the person selling lobster tails cannot provide you with information about them, particularly as to whether they are warm water or cold water tails, buy your tails elsewhere.
• Lobster tail prices vary seasonally. What may not seem affordable today certainly might be within a few weeks or a couple of months.

Whichever you choose, warm water lobster tails or cold water lobster tails - enjoy the wonderful decadent taste!