FAQ

Important information about lobsters
All lobster shipments have been packed live – unless otherwise specified – just as they were plucked from the ocean. The special packaging we include is designed to keep them cool and fresh right up to the time of arrival.

How long do lobsters live?
Lobsters can live up to 48 hours out of circulating salt water if they are properly refrigerated. Lobsters don’t need to be jumping out of the box to be fresh and good eating. They should, however, be checked upon arrival. If they are not moving, it is best to cook them immediately.

What if I am not going to cook them right away?
Upon arrival, you should check your shipment of lobsters. If they are not moving, you should cook them within a few hours. Otherwise, if they are stored properly, they may be kept alive for an additional 24 hours before cooking. Keep in mind, though, the sooner you cook lobsters, the sweeter they will taste.

How do I store a live lobster at home?
Simply place the lobsters in a glass or metal bowl or container. Cover loosely with the provided seaweed or wet newspaper and store in your refrigerator.

Now that I have a lobster, how do I cook it?
Simply follow the cooking instructions below. 

Are large lobsters good eating?
Yes! Once the lobster is boiled, remove the meat from the shell and cut into small pieces. Usually you can expect a better yield (more meat per pound) from a larger lobster.

How do I boil fresh lobsters?
Boil enough water to cover the lobsters completely. Add a tablespoon of salt. Refer to the cooking times below. Add the lobsters to the pot after the water is fully boiling and then start the timer.

How do I cook steamer clams?
Add the clams into the boiling lobsters with 5 minutes left on the timer. Or, boil/steam them on their own for 5 – 7 minutes in water with 1 table spoon of salt. Once they open up, they’re ready to eat!

Why is it expensive to ship?
The price of the shipment packages reflects two things: the quality of the shellfish we ship and the overnight shipping costs associated with delivering a large, heavy package within 24 hours. A lobster feed is always an experience, and for our landlocked friends and customers, it’s a privilege. We want to ensure that it’s the best possible experience.

Delivery Dates and Times
All orders are shipped FedEx Next Day Air. Delivery times are normally by 3pm the following day, unless the delivery area is in a very rural area, in which case the delivery time may be later in the day. During the peak holiday season, the deliveries may be as late as 8 p.m. Orders must be placed by 8 a.m. eastern time in order to be sent out the same day.
PLEASE NOTE: Orders cannot be delivered on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays or major holidays.

FedEx Holiday Schedule

Sanders Lobster Weather Policy
Please note that adverse weather conditions in any part of the country through which your package must be routed may delay your package. We try to stay informed of national weather conditions to the best of our ability. However, if you are concerned about the weather in your area, you should contact us to reschedule your delivery. If we become aware of a potential weather problem, we will do our best to contact you and have your input in making the decision on whether to ship the order or to reschedule. If we cannot reach you, then we will use our own judgment. If there is a chance that the order will be delayed because of bad weather, then we will not ship the order. Unfortunately we cannot issue a refund due to inclement weather.

General Lobster FAQs

Why lobster?
When you choose lobster, you choose New England. It’s the lifeblood of the Maine economy and it supports tens of thousands of jobs. Plus, it just plain tastes great. To further sweeten the deal, Homarus Americanus is not only a delicious treat; it has remarkable nutritional value. Check out the nutritional content for one cup of steamed lobster meat, as supplied by the USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory:

How long will lobsters last out of water?
Time is the biggest issue with taking lobsters out of water: as soon as a lobster is pulled out of the water, it starts dying. Fortunately, this process takes a relatively long time compared to other seafood. We never recommend going beyond 48 hours with any healthy live lobster. The less time lobsters spend out of water before being prepared, the better. Our shipments arrive within 24 hours. We recommend preparing your lobster the night you receive it.

What’s the difference between hard shell and soft shell?
When lobsters are hard shell, they are at their strongest stage in their growth cycle. Their shells will be thick and full of meat. A soft shell lobster is one that has just out-grown his or her old, hard shell and has shed, or molted, into their new shell. Soft shell lobsters are very prevalent in the summer months as the warmer temperatures encourage more activity. This results in more molting, more feeding and more breeding. Lobsters are at their hungriest when they are growing into their new shell as the bulk of their caloric content is being directed to the synthesis of the new shell itself. 

How much lobster is enough for a meal?
Generally, a quarter pound of meat is recommended as a serving. That’s the typical amount in your average lobster roll. With live lobster, the average yield for meat is 5:1. A single 1.25 pound lobster will produce between a quarter and a third of a pound of lobster meat.

How old are the lobsters?
The age of a large lobster can be roughly figured by taking their weight and multiplying by 4 then adding 3. With smaller lobsters, this formula is less accurate as it takes between 5 and 7 years to reach market size. Lobsters molt regularly when they are young and less frequently as they age.

LEARN MORE: READ OUR BLOG