Live Maine lobsters will arrive with rubber bands around their claws, which should be left in place until after the lobster is cooked.
Keep them cold in your refrigerator until time for cooking. You may choose to place the live lobster in a large baking dish or bowl and cover lightly with a damp towel, or place in a brown paper bag.
Live Maine lobsters have limited movement abilities and will not "roam" in your refrigerator. Do not seal a live lobster in a plastic food container or in a plastic food storage bag because it needs to breathe.
Live lobsters should be cooked within 24 hours of their arrival. The tail of a healthy lobster will curl, and the meat will be firm after boiling or steaming.
To handle a live Maine lobster, pick it up by the large shell just behind its head (the carapace shell). The lobster may wave its claws, flex its tail, or display only the slightest movement.
Boiling Live Lobsters: Fill a large pot one-half to two-thirds full, allowing about 2 1/2 quarts of water for each lobster to be cooked (water should cover the lobsters). Add 2 tablespoons of salt for each quart of water. Bring the water to a full boil over high heat. Place the live Maine lobster head down until completely submerged. When the water returns to a boil, cook the lobsters for ten minutes for the first pound, and three minutes for each additional pound. If the antennae remove easily, the lobsters are done.
Concerned about the lobster? There is no need to worry. Lobsters are believed by many scientists not to feel pain, due to their primitive nervous system. Cooked Maine lobsters can be safely stored in your refrigerator for up to two days. Click here for information and illustrations on how to eat a Maine lobster.