Guide to Checking the Quality of Live Maine Lobsters

Maine lobsters are considered the best in the world and have a universal reputation of offering the richest and succulent meat available. The fact that the Atlantic waters are clean with a rocky coast, contributes to the quality of this species of lobster. This makes for an ideal environment for lobsters to flourish, as the cool temperatures of the Atlantic waters keep the saltwater from saturating the meat.

Live Maine lobsters are available by numerous sources over the internet. However, most seafood lovers do not know how to recognize the quality of live Maine lobster shipped directly to their doorstep. Here's a simple guideline to follow when you are receiving shipped Maine lobsters:

Live Lobsters Grading:

Lobsters are graded by their firmness and liveliness. A lower grade usually indicates that Maine lobsters shipped overnight will have a softer shell with reduced quantity of meat. A hard-shelled lobster, which is full of meat from its claws to the tails, is normally assigned a higher grade.

Live Lobsters:

Lobsters tend to lose their texture, flavor and freshness if stored for too long. Always assess shipped lobster orders as healthy and live lobsters will raise their claws and flap their tails when picked up.

Lobsters size:

Live lobsters are usually sold by their size and the quality of their shell. Lobsters are available in different size ranging from 1 to 20 pounds. Average lobster sizes are as below:

• Chix also known as chickens usually range between 1.0 to 1.24 lbs.

• Quarters are available between 1.25 to 1.49 lbs.

• Halves are available at weight of 1.50 to 1.74 lbs.

• Deuces also known as twos, two pounders are available in range between 2.0 and 2.25 lbs.

• Heavy selects weight around 2 to 2.5 lbs.

• Jumbo lobsters weigh over 2.5 lbs.

Lobster delivery:

To ensure that you are receiving quality Maine lobsters when ordering online, it is best that they are hand selected and packed live in fresh seaweed to keep them moist and cold. In addition, shipping by next day delivery will most likely guarantee freshness along with a guaranteed arrival.

Lobster cooking and storing:

Live Lobsters are best if cooked and consumed on the day of the delivery. However, if you plan to store your lobsters, wrap them each individually in damp newspapers and store in the coldest area of your refrigerator (but not the freezer). You can also cook the lobster the day it is delivered and refrigerate it for a few days until you plan to eat it. Cooked lobster can be gently reheated, served and enjoyed.

Source : articlesbase.com