Southern Rock Lobster - Fiordland Lobster Company
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Southern Rock Lobster

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The Southern Rock Lobster (Jasus edwardsii) can be identified by its distinctively deep red outer shell and bright orange legs, which help to give it a most dramatic appearance. It is considered the sweetest and most succulent variety of lobster available and is highly sought after in China and South East Asia, where it is prized above all others.

Specification

Southern Rock Lobster belongs to the Palinuridae family of spiny rock lobsters, which do not have large prominent claws. This species Jasus edwardsii is found only in the rocky coastline around New Zealand, the Chatham Islands and the southern coast of Australia.

The body is rugged with hundreds of protective forward-pointing spines and long antennae for navigation, self-defence and communicating. The lobster does not possess enlarged pinchers/claws like that of the American lobster.

All commercial supply is sustainably wild caught under the quota management systems of New Zealand and Australia. The species cannot be farmed, due to the length and complexity of its life cycle.

Habitat

Our Lobsters are wild caught in the cool coastal waters of New Zealand and South Australia, in depths ranging from 1m to 200m.

The extraordinary scenic beauty of the southern coast of New Zealand and Australia has earned the reputation as significant sightseeing destinations and a “must see” for anyone travelling to the region. The preservation of these natural environments is essential for the maintenance of their ecosystems.

Fiordland Lobster Company is founded upon a conservation ethic that sees us make a significant contribution and continual commitment towards guardianship of the natural environments that we are privileged to operate within, and strengthening of their ecosystems. One long-standing involvement is with the Fiordland Marine Guardians.

Nutritional Info

Wild Southern Rock Lobster (Jasus edwardsii) has naturally high levels of many nutrients that contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

  • Good Source of Omega 3 – Omega 3 (specifically EPA+DHA) contains anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce the risk of heart disease and arthritis symptoms and are believed to reduce the risk of developing some cancers.
  • Good Source of Phosphorous – Phosphorous (phosphate) helps protects the bloods acid/base balance and transports energy.
  • Source of Vitamin E – Vitamin E is an anti-oxidant found in oils from fish and in vegetables. Anti-oxidants are associated with resistance to diseases such as cancer and coronary heart disease.

This Nutritional Information was provided by Seafood CRC and accepted by the Food Standards Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) regulatory board. Serving size is based on 100g of flesh. The ingredient values contained in this nutritional information were obtained from the analysis of raw lobster. These values will change if your product is cooked, smoked or otherwise treated.

Did you know...

Fiordland Lobster Company’s Dunedin Facility is licenced to catch and export baby lobster.

The Quota Management System ensures the baby lobster are harvested sustainably, without compromising the long term health of the fishery. With only small quantities of the young lobster exported annually, there is a strong demand for this exclusive delicacy with a significant following of international connoisseurs. The appeal of the Otago baby lobster lies in its distinctively sweet, tasty flavour partly achieved by the cold sub-Antarctic and nutrient-rich current which sweeps the Otago coast.

There are over 75 different species of lobster, they can be divided into two main categories clawed and spiny or rock lobsters. Spiny lobsters do not have large claws.

The southern rock lobster is considered the sweetest tasting and most succulent variety of lobster available and is highly sought after in Asia, where it is the “lobster of choice” particularly at the Chinese dinner table.

The southern rock Lobster (Jasus Edswardii) is also known as koura, matapara, matapuku (Maori), crayfish, red crayfish, red rock lobster, spiny rock lobster, southern rock lobster (Australia / US), langouste (France), ise-ebi (Japan) Rock lobster (crayfish), and 龙虾, longxia (China).

In China lobster represents joy and good fortune, and is a popular dish at special events. Serving lobster represents the idea of longevity, mirroring the long life of the lobster.