If you’ve ever wondered how the largest lobster company in Maine processes over 600,000 pounds of lobster per week, then you’re in for a treat. Ready Seafood, run by two brothers, specializes in catching some of the finest lobsters off the coast of Maine. Every week, they process a staggering amount of lobsters, using every part of the crustacean. From catching the lobsters in their traps to carefully handling and processing them in their facility, the brothers and their team ensure that the lobsters are of the highest quality and meet safety standards. The lobsters are then supplied to local restaurants, like Eventide, where they are transformed into culinary delights, such as lobster rolls served in house-made bao buns. It’s a fascinating journey that showcases the importance of lobster not only as an economic driver for the coast of Maine but also as a delicious seafood delicacy enjoyed by people around the world.
Locating and Harvesting Lobster
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Catching lobster off the coast of Maine is an essential part of the lobster industry. Ready Seafood, being the largest lobster company in Maine, specializes in this process. Harvesting lobsters is not an easy task and requires early morning routines. Lobster fishermen start their day by untying their boats and heading out to sea, ready to haul traps and catch lobster.
Early Morning Lobster Harvesting Routines
The process of lobster harvesting begins early in the morning. Lobster fishermen, like those at Ready Seafood, start their day by gathering dead fish to use as bait for their traps. These fish, such as pogy or menhaden, emit an odor that attracts lobsters underwater.
The economic significance of lobster in the coastal communities of Maine cannot be overstated. Lobster fishing is a vital industry that supports the livelihoods of many people. Without lobster fishing, Maine would not be the same.
Procedure and Enjoyment of Untying Boats for Harvesting
As a lobster fisherman, untying your boat and heading out to sea for lobster harvesting is not only a routine but also a moment of enjoyment. The anticipation of the day’s catch and the satisfaction of being out on the water contribute to the experience.
Heading out behind Richmond Island, off the coast of Cape Elizabeth, lobster fishermen set their traps with the baited dead fish. The design of the traps includes biodegradable escape vents, allowing juvenile lobsters and other critters to crawl out freely.
The traps are then marked with individual buoy colors, helping fishermen identify their traps. Once the traps are set, the lobster fishermen return later to haul them in and see what they’ve caught.
Regulatory Conservation Measures
Maintaining a sustainable lobster fishery is crucial to ensure the future of the industry. Ready Seafood and other lobster fishermen in Maine follow certain regulatory conservation measures to protect the lobster population.
One of these measures is throwing back female lobsters with eggs. Female lobsters grow wider tails to hold more eggs, while males put more energy into developing bigger, stronger claws. By throwing back female lobsters with eggs, lobster fishermen support the breeding potential of these lobsters.
In Maine, there is a minimum size requirement for lobsters. Lobsters need to reach a carapace length of 3 1/4 inches to be considered legal size. This minimum size regulation allows lobsters to have the opportunity to breed for at least one or two years before being caught.
Time it Takes for Lobsters to Reach Legal Size
Lobsters take a significant amount of time to reach legal size. On average, lobsters take 5 to 8 years to grow to the minimum size required for harvesting. This time allows lobsters to grow, molt, and reproduce, ensuring a sustainable population.
The molting process is essential for lobsters to grow. Similar to shedding their skin, lobsters shed their old shells to make room for new, larger shells. This process happens multiple times throughout a lobster’s life as they continue to grow.
Processing of the Lobster
Processing lobsters is an essential step in preparing them for market. Ready Seafood utilizes efficient and humane methods to process the lobsters they catch.
To ensure the humane killing of lobsters, Ready Seafood uses an electrical charge, also known as a stunner. The electrical charge passes through the lobster, instantly killing it. This method minimizes suffering and maintains the quality of the lobster meat.
After stunning, the lobsters are then separated by weight. Ready Seafood has equipment that weighs and separates the lobster tails. This allows them to categorize the lobsters based on weight and ensures consistency in the packing process.
Humane Killing of Lobsters Using an Electrical Charge
The use of the electrical charge as a stunning method is a humane way to kill lobsters. Ready Seafood prioritizes the welfare of the lobsters, ensuring a quick and painless process. By using the electrical charge, the lobsters are killed instantly, minimizing any unnecessary suffering.
Lobster Separation by Weight
Ready Seafood has equipment that weighs and separates the lobster tails. This sorting process allows them to categorize the lobsters based on weight. By separating the lobsters into different weight categories, Ready Seafood can ensure that customers receive consistent portions of lobster meat.
Daily Processing of Lobsters into Five-Pound Bags
Once the lobsters are processed and separated, they are packed into five-pound bags. These bags contain the lobster tails and other parts of the lobster, ready to be transported and delivered to various destinations.
The daily processing of lobsters into five-pound bags allows for efficient packaging and distribution. Ready Seafood ensures that their products are ready for sale and meet the demands of their customers.
Safety Measures
Ensuring the safety of the lobster products is a top priority for Ready Seafood. The company takes specific measures to maintain the quality and safety of their products.
One of these measures is sending lobster samples for micro testing. Ready Seafood sends samples from each lot of lobsters to a third-party lab for testing. These tests are conducted to ensure that the lobster meat is free from any harmful bacteria or contaminants.
Before the lobster products are released for sale, the company awaits the test results for product safety confirmation. This step is crucial in assuring customers that the lobsters they purchase are safe to consume.
Awaiting Test Results for Product Safety Confirmation
After sending lobster samples for micro testing, Ready Seafood waits for the test results. These test results confirm the safety and quality of the lobster products. Only after the results are obtained and deemed satisfactory are the products released for sale.
This waiting period is essential to maintain the company’s commitment to product safety and customer satisfaction. It ensures that customers can confidently consume the lobsters without any concerns.
Utilizing Lobster By-Products
Lobster shells contain valuable minerals and compounds that can be utilized in various ways. Ready Seafood recognizes the value of lobster shells and explores their potential uses after processing.
The value contained in lobster shells goes beyond the meat itself. The shells can be used in various industries, such as the production of shellfish-based fertilizers or even as a source of calcium for supplements.
Uses of Lobster Shells after Processing
Once the lobsters are processed, the shells can be repurposed in different ways, minimizing waste and maximizing the value of the lobsters.
For example, lobster shells can be ground into a fine powder and used as a supplement in animal feed or as a soil additive in agriculture. The shells can also be utilized in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries for their beneficial compounds.
Creation of Lobster Dishes
The supply of lobster meat to local restaurants is an important aspect of the lobster industry in Maine. Ready Seafood collaborates with chefs to create unique and delicious lobster dishes, showcasing the versatility and flavor of lobster meat.
Collaboration with chefs allows for culinary creativity with lobster dishes. Chefs can experiment with different cooking techniques and flavors to create dishes that highlight the natural sweetness and texture of the lobster meat.
Supply of Lobster Meat to Local Restaurants
Ready Seafood plays a vital role in the supply chain, providing local restaurants in Portland with high-quality lobster meat. The company’s commitment to delivering fresh and flavorful lobster meat ensures that restaurants can offer exceptional dining experiences to their customers.
Local restaurants rely on Ready Seafood’s consistent and reliable supply of lobster meat. The partnership between the lobster company and the chefs allows for the creation of delicious and innovative lobster dishes.
Usage in Specific Restaurants
One notable restaurant that utilizes Ready Seafood’s lobster products is Eventide. Eventide restaurant adds its own twist to the lobster product, showcasing its culinary expertise and creativity.
Eventide restaurant, known for its innovative seafood dishes, incorporates Ready Seafood’s lobster meat into their menu. The chefs at Eventide modify the lobster product, creating unique and delicious dishes that excite and satisfy their customers.
Collaboration with Chefs for Creating Unique Lobster Dishes
By collaborating with chefs, Ready Seafood fosters creativity in the culinary industry. Chefs can experiment with different flavors and cooking techniques, pushing the boundaries of how lobster can be enjoyed.
The collaboration between Ready Seafood and chefs not only benefits the restaurant but also elevates the lobster industry as a whole. It allows new and exciting dishes to be introduced to the market, attracting more people to experience the flavors of Maine lobster.
Flavor Enhancement Techniques
Enhancing the flavor of lobster meat is an art in itself. Chefs at Eventide and other restaurants utilize various techniques to bring out the best in the lobster meat, creating unforgettable dining experiences.
One popular flavor enhancement technique is the use of brown butter sauce, salt, and lemon juice. These simple yet powerful ingredients complement the natural sweetness and delicate flavor of the lobster meat, enhancing its overall taste.
Use of Brown Butter Sauce, Salt, and Lemon Juice
The combination of brown butter sauce, salt, and lemon juice adds depth and richness to the flavor of lobster meat. The nuttiness of the brown butter, the subtle tanginess of the lemon juice, and the savory saltiness all work together to create a harmonious balance of flavors.
When combined with the tender and succulent lobster meat, these flavor-enhancing ingredients elevate the dining experience, turning a simple lobster dish into a culinary masterpiece.
Serving of Lobster Meat in House-Made Bao Buns with Chives
Another creative way to enjoy lobster meat is by serving it in house-made bao buns with chives. This unique presentation not only adds visual appeal to the dish but also introduces new textures and flavors.
The soft and fluffy bao buns provide a delightful contrast to the firm and juicy lobster meat. The addition of chives adds freshness and a subtle onion-like flavor, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Production of Lobster
The production process of lobster involves several steps, from packaging to sealing the product. Ready Seafood implements efficient methods to handle and process the high volume of lobsters they receive each week.
Packaging and sealing the lobster product is an important step in maintaining its quality and freshness. The lobsters are carefully packed into five-pound bags, ensuring that they remain intact and ready for distribution.
Packaging and Sealing the Lobster Product
Proper packaging and sealing of the lobster product is crucial to preserve its freshness and flavor. Ready Seafood utilizes effective packaging techniques to protect the lobsters during transportation.
The five-pound bags offer convenient portion sizes for customers, whether they are individuals purchasing for personal consumption or restaurants preparing meals for their patrons. This packaging method also ensures the lobsters are well-protected during transit.
Processing up to 600,000 Pounds of Lobster per Week
As the largest lobster company in Maine, Ready Seafood has the capacity to process up to 600,000 pounds of lobster per week. This high volume of lobster processing requires efficient and streamlined operations to meet the demand.
The ability to process such a significant amount of lobster showcases the expertise and capabilities of Ready Seafood. Their dedication to quality and efficiency allows them to deliver fresh and delicious lobster products to their customers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ready Seafood, as the largest lobster company in Maine, plays a crucial role in the lobster industry. Their commitment to sustainable practices, humane processing methods, and collaboration with chefs ensures the production and distribution of high-quality lobster products.
The economic impact of lobster in Maine is undeniable. Lobster fishing supports coastal communities, providing livelihoods and driving local economies. The success of companies like Ready Seafood contributes to the overall growth and sustainability of the lobster industry in Maine.
Looking to the future, Ready Seafood and other players in the industry will continue to innovate and meet the evolving demands of consumers. The reputation of Maine lobster and the dedication of companies like Ready Seafood will ensure that lobster remains a prized and sought-after delicacy for years to come.