When eating lobster, what is the green stuff that is often encountered, and should it be eaten? How about the red stuff?
Question #111994. Asked by star_gazer.
Last updated Aug 07 2021.
looney_tunes
Answer has 11 votes
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looney_tunes 19 year member
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The green stuff is the lobster's liver or more accurately, its digestive system. Although many people like to eat the "tomalley" it probably isn't a good idea because this is where pollution in the lobster's own meal choices would become concentrated in the lobster's body.
The red stuff is the roe, the unfertilized eggs of the female. Lobster eggs were once considered a delicacy, like caviar. The roe is also called "coral" because of its bright red color.
Response last updated by CmdrK on Aug 07 2021.
Jan 09 2010, 6:10 AM
star_gazer
Answer has 5 votes
star_gazer 23 year member
5236 replies
Answer has 5 votes.
Lobster
Issue: Should I eat the green stuff? How about the red?
Solution: That depends on how squeamish you are. The green mass, called the "tomalley" serves as a liver and pancreas, and thus absorbs toxins. It is, however, considered a delicacy by many lobster lovers. Use your own judgment, pay attention to local advisories, and limit your consumption to no more than one lobster's worth per day. As for the red stuff -- if you've encountered any, you've hit the crustacean jackpot. It's unfertilized eggs called "roe" or "coral" and is a taste treat on par with caviar.