Did you know that 100 grams of Spiny Lobster (Mixed Species) is only 112 calories? This seafood delicacy is not only delicious but also a low-calorie option for those who are watching their weight.

Apart from being low in calories, spiny lobster is also a good source of protein, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.

In this article, we'll explore the nutrition facts, benefits, cooking methods, and other useful information about spiny lobster.

Nutrition Facts of Spiny Lobster

As mentioned earlier, Spiny Lobster is a good source of nutrients. Here are some of the nutrition facts for 100 grams of spiny lobster (mixed species): - calories: 112 - Protein: 24.4g - Fat: 0.9g - Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 230mg - Vitamin B12: 5.6mcg

Benefits of Eating Spiny Lobster

Besides being a tasty treat, spiny lobster offers numerous health benefits: - Good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle. - Omega-3 fatty acids in spiny lobster help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. - Vitamin B12 is important for brain function and the production of red blood cells.

Spiny Lobster as a Low-Calorie Food

For those who are trying to maintain or lose weight, spiny lobster is a great food choice. It is low in calories and high in protein, which makes it filling and satisfying. A 100g serving of spiny lobster contains only about 112 calories and 0.9g of fat.

How to Cook Spiny Lobster

Spiny lobster can be cooked in a variety of ways such as steaming, grilling, or boiling. Here is a simple recipe for spiny lobster: - Preheat the oven to 375°F. - Rinse the spiny lobster and pat dry. - Cut the lobster in half and remove the digestive tract and the greenish tomalley (if any). - Brush the lobster meat with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. - Roast the lobster for 15-20 minutes, until the meat is firm but still juicy. - Serve hot with lemon wedges and melted butter.

Different Ways to Enjoy Spiny Lobster

Spiny lobster can be enjoyed in many ways, apart from being served as a main dish. Here are some ideas: - Lobster salad: Chop up the cooked lobster meat and mix with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and chopped celery. Serve as a salad or in a sandwich. - Lobster rolls: Fill a toasted bun with lobster meat, lettuce, and a drizzle of melted butter. - Lobster bisque: Make a rich and creamy lobster soup by simmering the shells in a broth with onions, carrots, celery, and cream. - Lobster tacos: Fill a soft flour tortilla with cooked lobster meat, guacamole, and salsa.

Selection and Storage of Spiny Lobster

When buying spiny lobster, look for live lobsters that are active and healthy. They should be kept in a tank or container with enough water to cover their bodies. Store live lobsters in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not keep them in an airtight container or in ice water, as this will kill them. If you are not planning to cook the lobster immediately, you can also freeze it. Cooked lobster can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 6 months.

Spiny Lobster vs Other Seafood

Spiny lobster is often compared to other seafood like crab, shrimp, and scallops. Here's how it stacks up: - Spiny lobster is lower in calories and fat than crab and shrimp, making it a great choice for those who are watching their weight. - Compared to scallops, spiny lobster is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12.

Dietary Restrictions and Spiny Lobster

If you have certain dietary restrictions, spiny lobster may or may not be a good food choice for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind: - If you are allergic to shellfish, spiny lobster is not a good choice for you. - If you are on a low-sodium diet, be aware that spiny lobster can be high in sodium. Choose other low-sodium options like cod or salmon instead. - If you are on a low-cholesterol diet, be judicious in your portion size of spiny lobster.

Risks and Precautions of Eating Spiny Lobster

While spiny lobster is generally safe to eat, there are a few risks and precautions to keep in mind: - Spiny lobster can contain toxins like ciguatoxin or saxitoxin, which can cause ciguatera or paralytic shellfish poisoning. These toxins can be present in the flesh of the lobster or in their digestive glands (tomalley). To avoid these toxins, it's best to buy spiny lobster from reputable suppliers and cook it thoroughly. - If you have gout or purine-related kidney problems, you may need to avoid spiny lobster or limit your intake as it is high in purines.

Sustainable Fishing of Spiny Lobster

Spiny lobster is a popular seafood item, but some species of spiny lobster are overfished, which can lead to population decline or even extinction. To ensure sustainable fishing, here are a few things to keep in mind: - Look for spiny lobster that is certified by sustainable seafood organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). - Avoid spiny lobster that is caught using destructive fishing practices like bottom trawling or dynamite fishing. - Choose spiny lobster that is harvested from well-managed fisheries.