Title: How To Buy A Lobster | The Food Lab
Headings: How To Buy A Lobster | The Food Lab
How To Buy A Lobster | The Food Lab
Criterion #1: Species
Criterion #2: Liveliness
Criterion #3: Hard Vs. Soft
Criterion #4: Size
Where to Buy Lobster
Connecticut-Style Warm Buttered Lobster Rolls »
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Content: Whoa. The largest lobsters ever recorded have been in the 40 to 50-pound range, but in the real world, you're more likely to see lobsters between 1 and 3 pounds, perhaps up to 7 or 8 pounds if you head to a specialist. The larger a lobster, the more you're likely to pay per pound, but increase in price does not indicate increase in quality. Some folk seem to think that large lobsters are tougher or less flavorful than small lobster. I don't find this to be true. What is true, however, is that they are far harder to cook evenly. With most cooking methods, by the time you cook them through to the center, the exterior is hopelessly overcooked. Smaller lobsters don't have as much of a problem with this (though they still do to a degree--more on this later). I buy smaller lobster simply because they are cheaper, easier to handle, and have less of an impact on the health of the lobster population. With a yield of around 30 to 40%, you should plan on about on 1 1/2-pound lobster per person, giving you 6 to 8 ounces of actual meat.