Where to Buy Whole Lobster: A Guide to Sourcing the Freshest Lobsters

Lobster is one of the most decadent and delicious seafood treats. When prepared properly, the sweet flavor and tender texture of lobster meat literally melts in your mouth. However, not all lobsters are created equal. The key to a truly spectacular lobster dish lies in sourcing the freshest, highest-quality whole lobsters. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about where to buy whole lobster.

Why Buy Whole Lobster?

There are several advantages to purchasing whole live lobsters or freshly cooked whole lobsters instead of lobster tails or lobster meat alone:

• Flavor – The flavor of a freshly cooked whole lobster right out of the shell is vastly superior to lobster meat that has been sitting around. The textures and juices are also best when enjoyed immediately after cooking.

• Quality Inspection – Buying a live lobster allows you to inspect its quality before cooking, Choose lobsters that are lively and have all their limbs intact

• Versatility – Whole lobsters give you access to the claw, knuckle, and tail meat, as well as the tomalley and roe, so you can create various dishes

• Value – Pound for pound, whole lobster is often a better value than lobster tails or meat alone You get more food for your money

So when only the absolute best lobster experience will do, opt for whole lobsters over other forms.

Where to Buy Whole Live Lobster

If you are fortunate enough to live near an area with an active lobster fishery, buying directly off the dock is your best bet for both quality and value. However, for most people this is not an option. Here are some other recommendations for where to buy live lobsters:

Local Fish Market

A trusted local fish market or seafood shop is a good option for buying live lobsters. Inspect the lobster tank for signs of health and vigor. The lobsters should be active and have their claws banded to prevent fighting. Ask when and from where the lobster shipment arrived to ensure freshness.

Restaurant Supply Store

Restaurant supply stores are a commercial source where you can often buy fresh seafood in bulk for a good price. Call ahead to check on their live lobster inventory and current pricing. Make sure to bring a cooler to transport the lobsters home safely.

Online Seafood Market

For ultimate convenience, ordering lobsters online from a reputable seafood purveyor can’t be beat. The lobsters are professionally packed with frozen gel packs and delivered overnight right to your doorstep. LobsterAnywhere and Lobster Trap are two excellent online sources for live Maine lobsters shipped overnight nationwide.

Local Fisherman

If you happen to know a local lobster fisherman, inquire if they sell directly to consumers. You can get lobsters right off the boat at prime freshness. Just be prepared to pay premium prices and expect supply to be seasonal.

Lobster Pounds in Maine

For an authentic Maine lobster experience, order directly from a lobster pound located right on the coast. They’ll overnight ship freshly caught lobsters sealed in bags with saltwater to keep them happy on the journey to you.

Wherever you choose to order from, always look for vendors that practice responsible sourcing and direct shipping methods to ensure peak freshness.

What to Look for When Buying Whole Live Lobster

To make sure you select the best-quality lobsters:

• Pick live lobsters that are very active and lively, moving their legs and pincers. Avoid any lethargic ones.

• Select lobsters that have all their legs and both claws intact. Missing limbs may indicate previous damage.

• Opt for hard-shell vs soft-shell lobsters, which will have firmer and sweeter meat.

• Heavier lobsters tend to have a higher meat yield, but choose based on liveliness over size alone.

• Make sure the lobster tank water is clean and cold – around 40°F is ideal.

• Avoid any lobsters with black spots or visible discoloration on their shells.

Following these guidelines will help ensure you get the pick of the catch.

How to Buy Fresh Whole Cooked Lobster

If you don’t want the hassle of cooking live lobster yourself, purchasing freshly cooked whole lobsters is an excellent alternative. Here are some tips:

• Check fish markets and seafood restaurants in your area, many will sell freshly cooked lobsters.

• Ask when the lobster was cooked – it should be same day for ultimate freshness.

• Look for bright red coloring without black spots on the shell.

• Leg, claw, and tail meat should all be intact, not cracked or damaged.

• Refrigerate immediately and enjoy within a day for best flavor.

• Reheat gently to prevent overcooking the delicate meat.

Buying pre-cooked lobsters allows you to skip straight to eating, while still enjoying the great taste of whole lobster.

How to Ship Whole Lobsters

If you are gifting lobsters or need them shipped to you, proper handling during transit is key. Here are some tips for shipping:

• The lobsters must be shipped overnight to preserve freshness.

• They should be packed in insulated containers with frozen gel packs to keep cold.

• Protecting the lobsters from touching the ice packs directly prevents freezing damage.

• Wet newspaper provides humidity as lobsters can dry out.

• Only healthy, active lobsters should be selected for transport.

• Opt for experienced vendors like LobsterAnywhere that have perfected shipping methods.

Following these best practices helps the lobsters arrive alive, happy, and delicious.

Storing Whole Lobsters at Home

Once you get your prized lobsters home:

• Keep them cold – place in a container on ice or refrigerate.

• Allow minimal water circulation and avoid direct contact with the ice.

• Adding salt to the water helps keep them hydrated.

• Cook live lobsters within 24 hours for best flavor. Fresh dead lobsters keep 1-2 days.

• Store cooked lobster meat immersed in butter or olive oil in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

Proper storage preserves both life and flavor until you are ready to cook your lobsters.

Preparing and Cooking Whole Lobster

Whole lobsters require minimal preparation – just cook and serve! Here are some tips:

• Live lobsters should be cooked the day of purchase for optimal flavor.

• Prepare a large pot with at least 2-3 inches salted water or stock.

• Gently add live lobsters head first into the pot. Cover and cook for 8-12 minutes once the water comes to a boil again.

• Use tongs to carefully remove the bright red lobsters – let cool slightly before cracking and enjoying!

• Cooked whole lobsters can be served hot with drawn butter or chilled for lobster salad.

• Crack the shell with lobster crackers and pliers. Remove meat from tails, claws, legs, and the body.

• The tomalley (green liver) and roe (coral-colored eggs) are edible and full of flavor for those less squeamish.

And that’s all there is to preparing sublime seafood!

Ideas for Serving and Eating Whole Lobster

From classic to creative, here are some of our favorite ways to serve up prepared whole lobster:

• Hot with drawn butter – the traditional way to enjoy fresh lobster with butter drizzled over the meat.

• Lobster rolls – loaded into a split-top bun with a touch of mayo or butter.

• Lobster salad – chunks of lobster tossed with lemon juice, celery, mayo or aioli.

• Lobster mac and cheese – lobster meat baked with cheese sauce and pasta. Decadent!

• Lobster risotto or bisque – rich, creamy rice or seafood broth loaded with lobster.

• Surf and turf – lobster tails paired with filet mignon make an indulgent combo.