Facts about Maine Lobster:

Lobsters love the cold clear rocky bottom of Maine's Ocean Waters.  This is why Maine Lobster's are the most sought after Lobster in the World.

New Shell Lobsters:

Also known as Shedder's, these Lobsters shed their hard old shell for a new, larger shell that hardens over time.  These new-shell Lobsters provide flavorful meat in a shell that can often be cracked by hand. "New Shells" are very popular with those who love Lobster.   New Shell Lobsters start being available in mid June and are around into August however the shells are much firmer after August.  The meat of a new shell Lobster is also sweeter than a hard shell.

Lobster Season:

Maine Lobsters are trapped and harvested year-round however most are caught between June and late December when the Lobsters are most active.  In the colder months the Lobsters do not move around as much and less are caught during this period. 

Hard and Firm Shell Lobsters:

Maine Lobsters that are shipped overnight will be hard or firm Lobsters only.  New Shell Lobsters do not do well in shipping and could not survive.  It is important that all Maine Lobsters arrive alive.

Frequent Asked Questions: 

Why is a Maine Lobster Different?

Lobsters from Florida, the Caribbean or southern California are spiny or rock Lobsters found in warm water.  North American Lobster can be found only in the colder waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.  The main difference is the Northern Lobsters have large claws with meat in them.  The warm water Lobsters do not have claws and only meat is found in the tails.

Is there a difference between a Male and Female Lobster?

The taste is the same.   The only difference is some female Lobsters sometime have eggs.  When cooked the eggs turn red and are called "roe" which many people love to eat.

Do Lobsters feel pain? 

The nervous system of a Lobster contains fewer nerve cells than a human’s nervous system.  The Lobster has no cerebral cortex, the area of the human brain that gives the perception of pain.

How Long Can a Lobster Live out of water?

Lobsters can live several days kept cool and damp with salt water however it is not recommended to eat Lobsters after forty-eight hours after they have been out of water.

Can you eat the Tomalley (Green Stuff)?

Many people like the Tomalley however the Maine Lobster Promotion Council advises against eating it.  This is the liver and pancreas of a Lobster that can contain dioxins.   Should you find the liver is black put back in to cook for another five minutes to make sure the color is green this assures the Lobster is fully cooked.

How do you cook lobster?

For boiling and steaming instructions, read our "How to cook Lobster" page!