Good news: fresh Zeeland Oosterschelde lobster now available after all
Every year, in the last week of March, the official season for Oosterschelde lobster begins. For weeks, renowned chefs look forward to the first catches of this world-famous Zeeland lobster. Because all hospitality businesses are closed—the fishing industry’s primary sales channel—the fishermen face the threat of a disastrous season.
But despite the coronavirus crisis, Zeeland’s lobster fishermen are heading out to sea again this year. Around 60,000 lobsters are caught each year by approximately 25 lobster fishermen from Zeeland. But where should the lobsters go this year? Sustainable fishing expert and chef Bart van Olphen (co-owner of Fish Tales) is now launching a unique initiative in collaboration with the Zeeland lobster fishermen. You can now order the famous Oosterschelde lobster online as a private customer, and it will be delivered cooked to your front door. Convenient and delicious for discerning home diners—and you support the lobster fishermen from Zeeland directly.
Oosterschelde lobster
The Oosterschelde lobster is indisputably part of the Dutch culinary heritage. Michelin-starred chefs and food connoisseurs consider the Oosterschelde lobster one of the most beautiful and exclusive lobsters to work with. Because of its distinct DNA structure, the Oosterschelde lobster has a finer and more delicate flavor than lobsters from other parts of the world. The season is short: it starts on the last Thursday of March and ends on 15 July.
Sustainable
The Oosterschelde lobster is listed as ‘green’ in the Viswijzer. The lobster population is stable; the species is not overfished. The fishing methods are selective and cause little environmental damage. The small ones (with a carapace length of less than 9 centimeters) are returned alive to the Oosterschelde after being caught. Management of the Oosterschelde lobster consists of a limited number of permits and a restricted fishing season.
Recipes
Lobster is delicious; the pure white meat is tender and sweet. The lobster you can order now is cooked immediately after being caught and can be eaten straight away. It’s delicious served lukewarm with a good spoonful of mayonnaise or in an omelet. And with a few extra steps, you can make many more delicious dishes with it.
Ordering
The Oosterschelde lobster can be ordered from today (Friday, 27 March 2020). If you order before 5:00 p.m., the lobster will be delivered to your door the next day. It can hardly get any fresher. You can also order Zeeland oysters through the same website and have them delivered to your home. This way, you support the local fishermen from Zeeland #steunkreeftenvissers.
Image: David Loftus
