Royal spinny lobster

Lobsters from Brittany and Galicia
The excellence of the European Atlantic

 

 

The lobsters of the North Atlantic — particularly those from Brittany (France) and Galicia (Spain)  are among the most prized in the world for their firm meat, intense flavor, and delicate texture.
Both regions share cold, clean, nutrient-rich waters, which allow these crustaceans to grow slowly and develop exceptional quality.

Brittany Lobster

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Along the Breton coast, the most common species is the European lobster (Homarus gammarus), locally known as homard breton.

• Color: Dark blue to blackish, turning bright red when cooked.

• Size: Can reach up to 50 cm in length and over 4 kg in weight, though commercial specimens typically range between 800 g and 1.5 kg.

• Growth: Very slow; it takes about 5 to 7 years to reach the minimum catch size (around 25–30 cm).

• Habitat: Lives on rocky seabeds between 5 and 60 meters deep, hiding in cracks and crevices.

• Flavor: Its meat is highly valued for its firmness and sweetness, considered one of the finest in Europe.

💡 The homard breton is a symbol of gastronomic excellence in France, featured prominently in fine dining and traditional coastal celebrations.

 

Galician Lobster

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In Galicia, two main species are found:

• European spiny lobster (Palinurus elephas)

• Common or blue lobster (Homarus gammarus)

Both are caught by hand using traditional methods in the Rías Baixas and Rías Altas, where the cold Atlantic currents favor their natural development.

• Size: Adults measure between 25 and 40 cm, and can exceed 3–4 kg in exceptional cases.

• Growth: Due to the cold waters, growth is slow but steady, improving the quality of the meat.

• Reproduction: Females spawn once a year and carry their eggs for several months, limiting abundance and requiring tightly regulated fishing.

• Gastronomic value: The Galician lobster is renowned for its intense flavor, ocean aroma, and tender texture — perfect for stews, grills, or seafood rice dishes.

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Sustainability and Responsible Fishing

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In both Brittany and Galicia, lobsters are subject to strict sustainability standards:

• Minimum catch sizes (generally over 24–26 cm).

• Closed fishing seasons to protect reproduction.

• Artisanal fishing methods using pots or traps, avoiding damage to the seabed.

These measures ensure that consumers enjoy an authentic, sustainable, and top-quality product.

 

A Natural Luxury Product

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Lobsters from Brittany and Galicia represent the perfect balance between maritime tradition and gastronomic excellence.
Their slow growth and the cold Atlantic waters give them firm, white, and flavorful meat, considered by many chefs to be the finest in the world.