How to Store Live Lobster Before Cooking
Having live lobster delivered to your door is part of what makes preparing lobster at home such a special experience. But once your lobsters arrive, it's important to know how to look after them properly until you're ready to cook.
At Tenby Lobster Co., we deliver live Welsh lobster from Pembrokeshire across mainland UK. Our lobsters are carefully packed for their journey, but once your delivery arrives, proper storage is essential.
Here's what you need to know.
What Should I Do When My Live Lobster Arrives?
When your lobster box arrives, open it promptly and check your lobsters.
Don't leave the unopened delivery box sitting somewhere warm for an extended period.
If you're not cooking the lobsters immediately, they should be kept cool, damp and refrigerated until you're ready to prepare them.
Our Lobster Care guide contains further information about looking after your lobster after delivery.
Can You Keep Live Lobster in the Fridge?
Yes. Live lobster should be kept refrigerated before cooking.
Place the lobsters in the coldest suitable part of your refrigerator, ideally in an open container or tray where they have room and air circulation.
Keep them covered with damp newspaper, paper or a clean damp cloth to help prevent them from drying out.
The covering should be damp rather than soaking wet.
Never Store Live Lobster in Fresh Water
This is one of the most important things to remember.
Never place a live lobster in fresh tap water.
Lobsters are saltwater animals, and fresh water can kill them.
You also shouldn't attempt to create your own saltwater tank at home unless you have the specialist equipment and knowledge required to maintain the correct conditions.
For short-term storage before cooking, refrigeration is the appropriate option.
Should Live Lobster Be Stored on Ice?
Avoid placing your lobster directly onto loose ice or allowing it to sit in melting fresh water.
The aim is to keep the lobster cool and moist, not submerged.
When your Tenby Lobster Co. delivery arrives, follow the care information supplied with your order and transfer your lobsters to suitable refrigerated storage if you're not cooking them straight away.
How Long Can You Keep Live Lobster Before Cooking?
For the best possible quality, we recommend cooking your lobster as soon as practical after delivery.
Live seafood is highly perishable, so it isn't something we'd recommend buying and then keeping for several days.
This is why choosing the right delivery date is important. Ideally, arrange your lobster delivery for the day you intend to cook it or as close to the occasion as possible.
Our Delivery page explains more about how Tenby Lobster Co. deliveries work.
Can I Buy Lobster the Day Before a Dinner Party?
Where possible, arrange delivery as close as practical to when you intend to cook your lobster.
If you're organising a special occasion, our selectable delivery dates make it easier to plan ahead without ordering your lobster unnecessarily early.
For more inspiration, see our guide to How to Plan the Perfect Lobster Dinner Party.
How Do I Know My Lobster Is Alive?
A live lobster may not necessarily be moving constantly, particularly when it's cold.
Cold temperatures naturally make lobsters less active.
You may see movement from the legs, antennae or tail when the lobster is handled or begins to warm slightly.
If you're concerned about the condition of a lobster when your delivery arrives, contact us promptly and follow the instructions provided with your order.
Don't Leave Live Lobster at Room Temperature
Once your delivery arrives, don't leave your lobster sitting in a warm kitchen while you prepare the rest of your meal.
Keep it refrigerated until you're ready to begin preparation.
Only remove your lobster when you're ready to proceed with your chosen cooking method.
When Should I Order My Lobster?
If you're planning a birthday, anniversary, dinner party, Christmas celebration or simply a special meal at home, choose a delivery date close to when you intend to cook.
Tenby Lobster Co. offers a selection of live lobster boxes, including The Coastal Duo, The Tenby Signature, The Pembrokeshire Luxe and The Pembrokeshire Grand.
If you're unsure how much lobster to order, read our guide How Much Lobster Do You Need Per Person?
Live Welsh Lobster Delivered to Your Door
Tenby Lobster Co. offers live Welsh lobster delivery across mainland UK, bringing exceptional lobster from the Pembrokeshire coast directly to your door.
Our lobster boxes are designed for everything from an intimate lobster dinner for two to larger celebrations and dinner parties.
Choose your lobster box, select your delivery date and prepare for a taste of the Welsh coast at home.
Live • Local • Exceptional.