Cigales de mer are like Langoustines or very small lobsters, but without the pronounced claws or antennae. They only found in parts of the Mediterranean, such as off the south coast of France and off parts of South-West Asian Turkey. The small ones are 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) long; the large…
Crustaceans
Lobster
Cooked Lobster © Paula Trites Male Lobsters will have thick small fins on their abdomens, while females will have finer, thinner ones. Female Lobsters have a bit more meat, and some people feel that they are often somewhat sweeter and juicier than male Lobsters. While that may be largely subjective, female Lobsters do often, however,…
Sea Urchin
A Sea Urchin is a small creature that lives on the sea floor. It grows a hard shell with purple-black quills on it. The quills act both as a defence (it is preyed on by Lobsters, Crabs and sea otters), as a means of propulsion, and for trapping algae. Sea Urchins eat algae, barnacles, mussels…
Shrimp
Shrimp © Paula TritesA shrimp is a small crustaceans living at the bottom of oceans and lakes that eats both small plants and small animals. In the food world, confusion enters over the various terms used to name them, such as shrimp, prawn, and scampi. British terminology used to use all the above terms and be…
Shrimp Paste
Shrimp Paste is a potted, puréed spread made from fresh shrimp. It is not the same as Dried Shrimp Paste. If an Asian recipe calls for Shrimp Paste, it probably means the dried kind. Shrimp Paste will come in a small plastic container, and have a thick consistency, like fudge. In the UK, it is…
Yabbies
A Yabby is a freshwater crustacean in Australia, similar to crayfish. Some Australians call any freshwater crayfish a “yabby.” They have more meat on them than many other crayfish. The tail meat is 15 to 20% of the body weight. The claws are particularly desirable if the yabby is a larger one. They are found…