What is crayfish?

A crayfish is a scaly aquatic creature that lives in freshwater and is usually found in rivers, lakes and ponds. Species such as Astacus leptodactylus are common in Turkey. The lobster resembles a miniature lobster in appearance and has a hard-shelled body, two large pincers and a tail with fins.

Features:

1. Habitat: Crayfish prefer clean, oxygen-rich fresh water. However, they can live in both fresh and salt water.

2. Diet: They are carnivorous creatures; it eats plants, small fish, insects and organic waste.

3. Reproduction: Females lay eggs once a year and carry the eggs in their abdomens.

4. Economic value: It is a product of commercial importance in Turkey and all over the world. It is widely used in the food industry due to its delicious pulp.

Application areas:

• Consumption: Crabs are prepared by boiling, sauces or frying.

• Export: It is a product that is exported from Turkey to European and Asian markets. It is particularly sought after as a delicacy in Europe.

• Ecosystem: Contributes to the purification of waters as it consumes waste (organic decomposition).

The lobster trade is very important in Turkey, especially in areas such as Manavgat, Antalya and Isparta, where these species are exported live and processed.

How to Catch Lobsters

Crayfish fishing is usually done in freshwater lakes, rivers or dams, using special methods and equipment. Hunting is done according to certain rules and seasons in order not to harm nature and ensure the sustainability of the population. Here are the ways to catch lobsters:

1. Lobster traps (Pinter)

• It is the most widely used method.

• Trap structure: It is in the form of a cage or net made of plastic, metal or mesh material. Bait (pieces of fish, animal waste, etc.) is placed inside to attract the crabs.

• How is it used?

• Traps are placed at the bottom of the water where crabs are found.

• After one or two days, the lobsters are checked and taken away.

2. Manual collection

• It is used in small-scale fishing.

• This is a method of directly collecting crabs by diving underwater or by hand in shallow areas.

• This method is time-consuming and not suitable for commercial fishing.

3. Fishing with nets

• Fine nets are left at the bottom of the water, after a while they are pulled out and the crabs are collected.

• This method is preferred especially in traditional and small-scale fisheries.

4. The method of photography with light

• Since crabs are nocturnal, they turn towards the light.

• Crabs are collected at a specific location by shining a light into the water at night and then caught by hand or with a net.

Rules for Crab Fishing

Crayfish fishing in Turkey is regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Points to consider for civil protection and sustainable fishing:

• Hunting season: usually outside breeding season. Lobster fishing may be prohibited between May and September.

• Maximum size: The crayfish caught must not be smaller than a certain size. In Turkey, for example, this limit is generally 10 cm.

• Quotas: Lobster quotas are set on a lake or river basis.

• Protected areas: Some wetlands are completely closed to hunting.

Lobsters can be caught using traditional and modern methods, but sustainable fishing is of great importance for both the environment and commercial value.

How to Cook Lobster

Lobster is a delicious and nutritious seafood that can be prepared in a variety of cooking methods. When prepared with the right techniques, it yields tender and sweet meat. Here are the most common cooking methods and recipes for lobster:

1. Cooking

Material:

• Crayfish (cleaners)

• The

• Salt

• lemon slices

• Bay leaf and black pepper (optional)

Here's how to do it:

1. Fill a large pot with water, add salt and bring to a boil.

2. After the water boils, add the lobster to the pot.

3. Cook for 8-10 minutes (when the lobster turns red, it is cooked).

4. Remove the shrimp from the water and serve hot or cold.

2. Grilling (Barbecue)

Material:

• crayfish

• Olive oil

• Garlic

• Lemon juice

• Salt and pepper

Here's how to do it:

1. Carefully crack open the lobster shell, but do not peel it completely.

2. Prepare the marinade by mixing olive oil, crushed garlic, lemon juice and spices.

3. Cover the lobster with this sauce and let it rest for 20-30 minutes.

4. Cook on the grill for 4-5 minutes on each side.

5. Serve hot.

3. Fry in butter

Material:

• Cleaned lobster meat (without shell)

• Obesity

• Garlic

• Parsley

• Lemon juice

Here's how to do it:

1. Melt the butter in the pan, chop the garlic well and add it.

2. Add the lobster meat to the pan and fry for 3-4 minutes.

3. Add lemon juice and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

4. Sprinkle finely chopped parsley on top and serve.

4. Baked lobster with cheese

Material:

• Lobster (cleaned and halved)

• Grated cheddar cheese

• Obesity

• Salt, black pepper

Here's how to do it:

1. Place the lobster on a baking sheet.

2. Spread butter on top and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

3. Sprinkle generously with grated cheddar cheese.

4. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C until the cheese melts and turns golden brown (10-15 minutes).

5. We take it out of the oven and serve it hot.

5. Soup (lobster bisque)

Material:

• Lobster (with or without shell)

• Onions, carrots and celery sticks

• tomato paste

• generous

• Spices

Here's how to do it:

1. Prepare the broth by boiling lobster shells with aromatic vegetables.

2. Cut the lobster meat and cook it with the broth.

3. Thicken the soup by adding tomato paste and cream.

4. Mix the ingredients to a homogeneous consistency and serve hot.

Advice:

• Freshness: Using fresh lobster is important for the taste.

• Cleaning: Clean lobster shells and entrails carefully before cooking.

• Marinating time: If you use it for grilling or roasting, a long marinating time (at least 30 minutes) will enhance the flavor.

nutritional values of lobster

Lobster is a healthy food source thanks to its low calorie content, high protein content and rich vitamin and mineral profile. Below are the average nutritional values per 100 grams of lobster:

• Calories: 82 calories

• Protein: 17-19 g

• Fat: 1-1.5 grams

• Saturated fat: 0.2 grams

• Carbohydrates: 1 gram

• Cholesterol: 120 mg

• Fiber: 0 grams

• Vitamins:

• Vitamin B12: Occurs in large quantities (3–4 micrograms, 60–70% of the daily requirement).

• Vitamin B6, Vitamin B3 (niacin): moderate value.

• Metals:

• Selenium: High (20–30 µg, supports the immune system).

• Phosphorus: important for bone health (150-200 mg).

• Magnesium, zinc and copper: moderate.

• Sodium: Usually low, but may increase during cooking.

Benefits of Lobster

The nutritional properties of lobster contribute significantly to health when consumed regularly:

1. High protein source

• Supports muscle growth.

• Due to its low fat content, it is an ideal protein source for weight control.

2. Heart health

• Omega 3