Langostino and crawfish are crustaceans or shellfish. They consist of claws, a tail, and an exoskeleton. They can either be found in fresh or salt water bodies. Their claws and tails are the sources of meat, whereas the exoskeleton is used for soups.
Langostinos are found in saltwater bodies and crawfish in fresh waters. Langostino and crawfish are closely related to lobster but are not similar, with langostino being three times larger than crawfish. They are different in several areas including ;
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Langostino Vs. Crawfish: Overview
Description
Langostinos are also known as squat lobster, Dublin bay prawns, and Norway lobsters. They come in various species, the most common being langostino Colorado found off the coasts of Chile, and tuna crab is mostly found in America.
They are either bright orange or yellow, depending on the species. Their texture resembles that of shrimp, but they look more like lobsters. They are three times larger than crawfish, growing to 10-15 inches. Cooked langostinos are translucent white but may turn reddish. They have ten legs, front ones drawn inside, and look like they are squatting, hence the name, squat lobster.
Crawfish are also known as crayfish, crawdad, or mudbugs, varying in locations. They could be blue, black, red, or brown. They look like tiny lobsters, averaging 3 inches. When cooked, they turn bright red.
Habitation
Langostinos are found in salty water bodies such as seas and oceans, common in the Mediterranean and Atlantic oceans. They live in large groups in crevices or under rocks in seabeds. They are scavengers and can eat anything from dead plants and tiny sea creatures to living creatures and algae. Langostinos are rare and mostly found in regions around their inhabitants.
Crawfish, on the other hand, are found in freshwater bodies such as lakes, swamps, rivers, and paddy fields. They are fo tucked under crevices or rocks, like their langostinos. They can also be bred in fisheries and aquariums as pets. They are common in most parts of the world.
Nutrition Facts
Langostino
A serving of langostino consists of; 51 calories, 115mg of cholesterol, 170 mg of sodium, 16 gm of proteins, and 1gm fats. They are also good sources of sodium, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and folate.
Crawfish
One serving of crawfish contains; 77kcal, 15gm of proteins, 0.95mg of fats, 58 mg of sodium, 302 mg of potassium, 27 mg of calcium, 22 mg of magnesium, 256 mg of phosphorus, and 1.3 mg of zinc. They also contain folate, niacin, thiamin, thiamin, and riboflavin.
Health Benefits
Langostino and crawfish have similar nutrients and thus the same health benefits ;
- They contain antioxidants that fight free radical cells and reduce the risks of diseases and infections.
- They may help in weight management due to the low calories and carbohydrates. However, they contain high levels of cholesterol which may be counterproductive when consumed in excess.
- They help in bone health. Langostino and crawfish contain high amounts of calcium, essential for bone mass and strength.
- They have anti-inflammatory properties that aid in reducing pains and discomfort caused by inflammation. They also help relieve inflammation and pressure exerted on joints.
- Langostino and crawfish are high in cholesterol which might aid in improving fertility in men and women.
- They contain fatty acids that are good for brain function. The fatty acids also help boost mood and may help reduce symptoms of depression including; anxiety, feeling of worthlessness, weight gain or loss, and suicidal thoughts. They also assist in the production of endorphins, the feel-good hormone that helps boost self-esteem and worth.
- The phytochemicals found in these two selfish foods may help reduce fatigue by boosting your energy levels.
- They contain iron and folate that helps prevent anemia.
- Langstonino and crawfish contain fats that help the brain development of unborn children. It also helps strengthen the mom’s bones to carry the weight and avoid bone mass loss during breastfeeding. During breastfeeding, a mother loses nutrients, including calcium, vital for bone strength.
- They contain high amounts of protein essential for muscle and bodybuilding.
- Antioxidants and fatty acids in langostino and crawfish may help improve skin health.
- Sodium and potassium in the two may help replenish healthy body cells.
Side Effects
Though langostino and crawfish have many health benefits, they could cause several side effects.
- They contain high levels of sodium and are contra-indicated in persons on sodium-free diets. Avoid adding much salt when serving them.
- High sodium might raise blood pressure in hypertensive persons.
- They contain high amounts of cholesterol which is not good for heart health. It could raise bad cholesterol leading to increased risks of conditions like heart failure and stroke.
- They could cause food-related illnesses. Langostino and crawfish, just like other shellfish, could lead to food poisoning if not handled properly, are undercooked, or are contaminated. To minimize illnesses, ensure you observe hygiene, cook them well, and store them properly.
- They might trigger allergic reactions in persons who are allergic to shellfish. Signs of allergies include swelling of lips and tongue, skin redness and hives, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and vomiting.
Storing Shellfish
Fish is easily contaminated. Avoid storing them at room temperature. They are sensitive, such that they are immediately frozen or refrigerated on the shores. Consume them in 2 to 3 days if refrigerated and within one month when frozen.
Preparation And Serving
Langostino and crawfish can be used in salads, soups, sauces, pizzas, or even as stuffings in burgers. You could bake, grill, sautee, or boil. The cooking time will vary depending on size and method of cooking, but they often take a few minutes.
In conclusion, langostino and crawfish are crustaceans. Langostino is found in salt water and crawfish in fresh waters. They consist of several nutrients beneficial to the body. Consume in moderation due to high sodium levels.
