Live Lobster Varieties & Buying Tips
When ordering live lobster online there are several factors to take into account, for that reason I found it necessary to put together this simple guide to aid even the novice in selecting the perfect, most succulent and fresh lobster. I'm sure you have already done a search on google or any of the other major search engines and found literally thousands of results. This live lobster delivery guide is intended to help you wade thru all of these results to find the freshest and highest quality lobster possible, while spending the least amount of time and effort.
Varieties & Physical Attributes:
Cold water lobsters - In my humble opinion although a bit more expensive, are by far your best choice. These are the Maine and New Hampshire catch that you so often find on gourmet restaurant menus. Their identifiable features include large front claws and light-colored white meat. They are considered tenderer than warm water species because they grow slowly in the cold waters off Maine & New Hampshire. While internationally they are found in New Zealand, Southern Australia & South Africa.
Warm water lobsters - Also called spiny & rock, come from the Caribbean, Florida & Latin America. Because of their warmer environments they tend to grow much larger than their cold water cousins. Unlike cold water specimens they do not have large front claws and their meat is slightly darker. Unless you happen to be in one of their tropical origins, you are unlikely to find them alive.
Origin & Quality Concerns:
Being shellfish, lobsters filter water to breath and eat, so their taste and quality heavily relies on the temperature and cleanliness of the water they live in. Because of this you want to know exactly where your lobsters originated from. Some companies are based in New England; however they import their catch from other areas. Before purchasing be sure to confirm your lobsters are actually from Maine or New Hampshire.
Big or Small?
Quite simply, when it comes to lobster - Smaller is better!! The reason for this is because the meat gets tougher and loses it's sweetness with age. Rather than buying one 10 pound lobster I would suggest buying 5 two pound lobsters.
Why Do Lobster Prices Fluctuate?
Prices change with the seasons. During the summer the weather is warm and lobsters are plentiful and easy to catch. While during the winter seasons, especially January - March, the weather is dreadfully cold and the lobsters are much harder to catch because they move farther out into the harsh winter seas.
Live Lobster Shipping
Shipping is where many mail order seafood suppliers make their money. Some companies go so far as to say the shipping is free, unfortunately that is just not the case and will usually end up costing you more. Other seafood wholesalers charge a flat fee, while still other suppliers charge by the pound, or the actual shipping charges. I have found that the best way to find the lowest shipping rates is to calculate the difference in cost between 2 whole live lobsters of the same weight including shipping, on 2 or more supplier's websites.
Beyond shipping rates it is also very important to take into consideration the shipping carrier & delivery time. Because fresh lobster is perishable it is absolutely vital that your lobster is shipped to you in the most expedient way possible.
Customer Service & Return Policies:
Another important consideration when you buy shellfish online is the company's return policy. If one of your lobsters dies during shipping you want to make sure you can get all of your money back, including shipping costs. If the company does not have a return policy on their site, before ordering contact them and make sure if your lobster dies in route they will refund all of your money or ship you a replacement lobster free of charge.
It is also very important to buy from a company that goes the extra mile to answer all of your questions. If the company does not have a FAQ section on their website that answers questions like; how long will my lobster stay alive in the fridge? Be sure they are available to answer any questions you may have before ordering.
How long will my lobster last after delivery?
I suggest timing your delivery so that it is delivered on the day you intend to eat it. This will ensure your lobster is at its absolute freshest and most tasty. If you can't eat your lobster the day it arrives it can be cooked and eaten later. In this case boil or steam your lobster and then quickly run it under cold water and place it in a sealed container. In the refrigerator it will last 1-3 days while you can freeze it for up to 1 week. You could also place it in the refrigerator upon arrival for up to 48 hours without cooking it; however I do not suggest this method. Never place lobsters in water to try to keep them alive. The best way to keep them alive is to refrigerate them.
How do I avoid getting bit while holding my lobster?
Your live lobster will come with rubber bands on its claws. Pickup a lobster by grabbing it on the back, just above where the tail meets the body. The lobster can not bend its claws back far enough to get you when grabbed in this area. The tail shell has sharp edges so be sure not to slide a finger beneath the lobster tail, as you may be cut if the lobster makes a sudden move.
Now that you know the facts about ordering fresh live lobsters online, keep them in mind when ordering. I have ordered fresh seafood online from many companies and I have found that one in particular meets all of the qualifications above. That company is Lobster Gram, they sell the highest quality Maine live lobster and offer various other products including; seafood dinners, overnight seafood, fresh fish shipped, and even bulk seafood in their seafood catalog.
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