Lobster

What Is Istakoz (Lobster)?

Istakoz, or lobster, is a large seafood product from the crustacean class known for its large claws. The European lobster (Homarus gammarus) is a species caught along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, known for its dark blue-green shell.

Its flesh is concentrated in the claws and tail section; it has a firm texture with a mildly sweet, slightly salty taste. Due to its price and the effort required to prepare it, it is generally preferred for special occasions.

Nutritional Values of Istakoz

100 grams of raw lobster contains approximately 77 kcal of energy and around 16 g of protein; its fat content is quite low. It is also a good source of minerals such as zinc and vitamin B12.

What Are the Benefits of Istakoz?

With its low fat and high protein content, lobster is a seafood product that can be considered as part of a balanced diet.

This information is general; lobster is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. Those with a shellfish allergy are advised to be cautious.

How to Choose Istakoz?

In live lobster, the shell should be hard and dark in color, and it should move by curling its tail when touched; a motionless or foul-smelling lobster should not be consumed.

• The claws should be solid and mobile.
• The shell should feel moist and heavy.
• It should have a fresh sea smell, not a sharp/ammonia odor.

How to Store Istakoz?

Live lobster can be stored in the refrigerator under a moist cloth for at most 1 day; it should not be kept in a sealed, airless environment. Cooked lobster meat can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, or in the freezer for a few months.

Using Istakoz in the Kitchen

Lobster is most often boiled in boiling water or split in half and cooked on the grill; its flesh is removed from the claw and tail shell and served.

How Is Istakoz Boiled?

A live lobster is plunged head-first into boiling salted water and boiled for 8-12 minutes depending on its size; when the shell turns bright red, it is cooked.

Which Recipes Use Istakoz?

Boiled lobster, grilled lobster, and lobster pasta are the best-known recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is lobster good for?

With its low fat, high protein, zinc, and vitamin B12 content, lobster can be considered as part of a balanced diet.

How long should lobster be cooked?

Boiling it in boiling salted water for 8-12 minutes depending on its size is sufficient; the shell turning bright red is a sign of doneness.

Which part of the lobster is edible?

The claws and tail meat are the most preferred parts; the greenish organ in the body (tomalley) is also used in some cuisines.

How is live lobster stored?

It should be stored under a moist cloth, in a container that is not sealed, in the refrigerator for a short time (at most 1 day).

Can lobster be frozen?

Cooked lobster meat can be frozen; live lobster should not be frozen.