How to store lobsters before eating them?

If you just bought a lobster and plan to cook it soon, don’t make the mistake of putting it in an aquarium, ice bucket, or bowl with some water; not the proper way to store a lobster. If you leave it in the tank, you can wave your fish goodbye (and the lobster will no longer be healthy because it’s used to salt water). If you keep it in a container with ice, it will surprise the animal, and if you leave it in a shallow container, it is very likely that it will escape.

You need that lobster alive, but you need to keep it happy and satisfied until it’s time to cook it. So what is the best way to do this? This is the best way to store your lobsters before consuming them.

safety first

Handling a lobster shouldn’t be done by an amateur - the creatures aren’t the most beautiful on earth, and those claws can easily cut a finger (and yes, amputate it). It can be tempting to see how tough they are, but you do so at your own risk; don’t remove the rubber bands around those claws until after you’ve cooked them, and keep the rubber gloves on until you’re sure there are no more signs of life. It’s an important warning, actually.

wet and cold

Keep them in a safe place where they can’t crawl out (a large basin with a cover will do), and pack them in a cold, damp, “salty” towel. A wet lobster is a happy lobster. Keep an ice pack or frozen gel pack on top, as this will chill the lobster, making it slower and less active.

To be sure

It is possible to store them on the bottom shelf of the fridge for a while (as long as it is in a secure container) - a lobster can stay alive for 24-48 hours this way.

There is a time limit

There is a time limit to keeping the lobster - 48 hours is actually pushing it. Preferably, it is better to cook it the same day; if necessary, the next day. Don’t keep her for more than 48 hours (even if she’s still alive and well). To be sure of freshness, buy lobster online from real fishing companies in Maine - yes, this is possible, and it comes with fast delivery, too.

If the lobster dies before you are ready to cook it, consider it a shame and move on, sad to say, the lobster will no longer be good to eat. A dead lobster not only turns into a goo that has lost its flavor, but the meat is also more likely to have some negative health consequences. If you are sure the lobster is still alive, place it in a pot of boiling water for 10-12 minutes, securing the lid. Enjoy your tasty and healthy food!