Live Maine Lobsters Preparation Instructions
Receiving Live Maine Lobsters
Our Founder/Chief Curator, Mark M created a helpful video that demonstrates how to unbox our wild-caught live Maine lobsters.
Check it out:
What’s Safe To Eat On A Lobster:
Are the eggs inside the tail edible?
Yes. However, if the eggs are black, it means your lobster isn't cooked enough. Cook the lobster until the eggs turn RED! Red eggs, or “lobster caviar,” are delicious and fine to eat.
What about the green stuff (tomalley)?
Tomalley is the liver of the lobster, located between the tail and the body. Many people love it and consider it a delicacy. Some do not like it and discard it.
What’s the white stuff on the lobster meat?
That is the fat from the lobster, which can stick to the meat. It is normal and can be eaten or discarded. If you’re preparing cooked lobster meat for later, a great way to remove the fat is by placing the cooked meat in a bath of salty water and gently rubbing it off.
Storage Instructions:
We recommend enjoying your lobsters the same-day you receive them. However, what if your event is on Monday and you receive your lobsters on Friday? How do you keep those lobsters alive for three days?
Answer: You don’t! You “Blanch” them. Thanks to some genius chefs, there is a way to make your whole live Maine lobsters last more than 3 days and still taste like it just came out of the ocean.
Blanching is easy:
- Boil water: add 1 tablespoon of sea salt per 2 quarts of water.
- Place lobsters in boiling water. Best to do 2 at a time for optimal blanching.
- Cook for 2 minutes ⏲. This is just enough time for the lobster meat to slightly cook and separate from the shell.
- Set up an ice bath for the lobsters.
- After 2 minutes of cooking, place lobsters in ice bath for 10 minutes.
Then, depending upon when you want to serve your lobsters:
- Within 48 hours: Wrap in kitchen towels & place in fridge until ready to use.
- Post 48 hours - 3 weeks: Wrap & Freeze; Slow-Thaw in fridge for 24 hours before preparing.