Lobster is hands down one of my favorite meals, yet this expensive delicacy is definitely a special treat given its serious price tag. So, it’s really hard to imagine that lobster was at one time considered a poor man’s meal. When European settlers first came to North America, lobster was so plentiful that literally hundreds of them would wash up on the shores of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, piled up to 2 feet high!
The settlers realized that these crustaceans would spoil quickly if not cooked and consumed fast enough, and years later, because of their overabundance, lobster was tinned and shipped and even served to prisoners as it was recognized to be a great source of cheap protein. As my youngest son says, I wish we could go back in time for a great big lobster dinner. I’m with you, kid!
In the 1800’s, people started to desire fresh lobster which led to its demand and increased prices, and by the time WWII started, it became a delicacy which has lasted till today. But we have the Native Americans to thank for inspiring the original New England Lobster Bake. Not only did they use lobsters as bait and to fertilize their crops, but they would wrap the crustaceans in seaweed and bake them over hot rocks. Voilà – baked lobster! Lobster has become a mainstay for Labor Day celebrations so as we prepare to celebrate, please check out our IG Nantucket Lobster Bake, the accompanying mango salsa appetizer and inspiration for your table setting.
Enjoy!
