Lobsters Delivered
I love lobster and I have ordered it online many countless times. Over the years I have learned a lot about having lobsters delivered so I decided I would put this lobster delivery guide together. In it I will go over the types of lobster available for purchase online as well as the entire ordering process.
There are several reasons I prefer to order lobsters online. Firstly, when you buy lobster online from a reputable mail order seafood store you are buying the freshest lobster available. Lobster that is available for purchase in a local grocery store or seafood market has already been on a long journey by the time you buy it. It can take lobster up to 10 days to go from harvester to distributor to consumer market. However, when you buy online the lobster is shipped directly from the harvester to your door overnight. Lobster prices are also much more reasonable online because you cut out the distributor and retail markups. On top of it all, ordering online is very convenient!
You can buy lobsters online in several forms. Including live lobsters, lobster tail, cooked frozen lobster meat and canned lobster.
Whenever possible I recommend buying live Maine lobsters. Lobsters from Maine are top quality and when you buy them live you are guaranteed a fresh, succulent meal. After you place an order, your lobster will be delivered overnight in a multi-layered, temperature controlled box which keeps them cool during transit. They even come with a preparation guide and recipes. For more detailed information about live lobsters please refer to my in-depth live lobsters article.
When buying lobster tail online there are a few considerations to take into account. There are 2 varieties of lobster tail available for purchase. They come from rock lobsters which are found in warm water and Maine lobsters which are found in cold water. Generally speaking the colder the water the better the lobster so I recommend Maine lobster tail despite the slight cost difference. Please check out the accompanying article on lobster tails for detailed information.
Cooked, frozen lobster-meat is also widely available online. Although I recommend buying live varieties, if you would prefer not to cook and clean the lobster yourself this is the best option for you. Preparing it is a simple matter of thawing and reheating. The ideal way to thaw lobster is to place it in a bowl of water in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 hours, depending on the size of the lobster. It can also be thawed under cold running water. Once thawed you should eat it within 24 hours and remember never to refreeze it.
I prefer fresh lobster so I very rarely buy canned varieties. On the rare occasion that I do have canned lobsters delivered, I usually prepare them in soup, chowder or lobster bisque. Canned varieties generally keep for several months and although they aren't nearly as elegant as fresh varieties they do make for a great appetizer or small lunch.
If you have never had lobsters delivered I highly recommend it. Whether it's a family seafood feast with a Maine seafood gift basket or you just want to have lobster dinner delivered for that special someone it will be unforgettable!
|
