5 Things You Should Know Before Buying Live Maine Lobsters
1. Lobster price and quality can differ throughout the year
Lobster price and quality can differ throughout the whole year. New England weather, and the life cycle of a lobster, cause the price and quality of live Maine lobster to be quite different throughout the calendar year. In the winter months, especially January, February and March, the cold weather in New England hampers fishermen's ability to catch a large quantity of lobster. As a result, the price is extremely high during those months. On the contrary, the price is the lowest in the late summer and early fall, when fishing is easier and the lobsters are plentiful. A lobster also molts it shell, causing the shell to be harder and softer at different times of the year. And lobster shells are the hardest in the spring.
2. Not all lobsters are created equal
Most lobster comes from all over New England, and even some from Canada. Lobsters are shellfish, which filter water and therefore their taste is dependant on water temperature and quality. The colder, and cleaner the water, the better the lobster..
3. Get to know what you're paying for. Shipping or Lobsters?
To find the best price, you should calculate the price of two chicken lobsters (1.0 – 1.25 pound) with shipping. This can be hard because many sites like to hide their shipping cost until you're just about to finish the order!
4. Check out the stores return policy because lobsters can die!
Make sure to check the return policy before you place your order. Lobsters are shipped live, and though they don't often die, it does happen. Make sure that you can get your money back if it happens.
5. Find out how the lobsters will be shipped
Shipping is a large percentage of the overall live lobster purchase. Make sure the store you buy from uses a reputable carrier. In our experience, FedEx is far more reliable than UPS or DHL.
Money permits, you can also spend some on car rental to go to the seaside to experience the whole process of fishing yourself. Speaking of car rentals, you cannot be too careful about the car insurance as you will never know what will happen to your rental cars. In order to put your mind at ease, you should make full preparation before hitting on the road.
