Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: neilep on 22/08/2007 13:33:25

Title: Why do lobsters go red when you cook them?
Post by: neilep on 22/08/2007 13:33:25

Couldn't decide if this would be in chemistry or Environmental..so I stuck it here.


Dear Lobster Lovers,

Why do lobsters turn from this:


BEFORE:

lobster1.jpg (15.05 kB . 187x278 - viewed 5848 times)


to this ?

AFTER

Steamed Lobster.jpg (11.13 kB . 225x180 - viewed 4820 times)


.....after they've enjoyed a bath  or sauna at someone else's behest !

Prawns also turn colour too !..are they blushing ?

Title: Re: Why do lobsters go red when you cook them?
Post by: eric l on 22/08/2007 13:38:05

... or is to ho have a better contrast with the green vegetables ?

Title: Re: Why do lobsters go red when you cook them?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 22/08/2007 13:40:27

It's camouflage. The lobster has checked out the area, seen no rabbits, so decided to make like a carrot.

Title: Re: Why do lobsters go red when you cook them?
Post by: Bass on 22/08/2007 17:08:43

Believe it or not, I know this one.  After feasting on a delicious lobster dinner the night before (for a king's ransom), I asked this question to one of the researchers while visiting the New England Aquarium in Boston- apparantly cooking destroys all the pigments except the red pigment in the exoskeleton.  While alive, the brown and green pigments are dominant.

Title: Re: Why do lobsters go red when you cook them?
Post by: neilep on 22/08/2007 17:12:53

Quote from: eric l on 22/08/2007 13:38:05

... or is to ho have a better contrast with the green vegetables ?

I can see how that would work...I've always wanted to look like a  delinquent cabbage....instead my mentality does the impression !!

Title: Re: Why do lobsters go red when you cook them?
Post by: neilep on 22/08/2007 17:15:22

Quote from: DoctorBeaver on 22/08/2007 13:40:27

It's camouflage. The lobster has checked out the area, seen no rabbits, so decided to make like a carrot.

ahhh...so that's it.....could it be that they just like to tease scuba diving rabbits ?

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anvin.org%2Fscamper%2Fall%2Fsmall%2Fscuba_bunny.jpg&hash=8565f6650003f7a40b7bc55a6dd5bbda)

Title: Re: Why do lobsters go red when you cook them?
Post by: Karen W. on 22/08/2007 17:17:28

Quote from: Bass on 22/08/2007 17:08:43

Believe it or not, I know this one.  After feasting on a delicious lobster dinner the night before (for a king's ransom), I asked this question to one of the researchers while visiting the New England Aquarium in Boston- apparantly cooking destroys all the pigments except the red pigment in the exoskeleton.  While alive, the brown and green pigments are dominant.

Thats interesting I wonder what makes the red so tough that it is not destroyed also?

Title: Re: Why do lobsters go red when you cook them?
Post by: neilep on 22/08/2007 17:18:55

Quote from: Bass on 22/08/2007 17:08:43

Believe it or not,I Don't believe it !! I know this one.  After feasting on a delicious lobster dinner the night before (for a king's ransom), I asked this question to one of the researchers while visiting the New England Aquarium in Boston- apparantly cooking destroys all the pigments except the red pigment in the exoskeleton.  While alive, the brown and green pigments are dominant.

I believe it now Mr Bass and THANK YOU very much for assistance in my lobster colour changing needs...it's much appreciated !