Expiration & Storage Tips
When does lobster expire?
Live lobsters can live up to 48 hours out of water if properly stored in a moist, cool yet not icy environment, but it's best to cook them as soon as possible after purchase for the freshest taste. Once cooked, lobster meat can be refrigerated for 2 to 3 days. If you're saving cooked lobster meat in the freezer, it can last 2-3 months. However, freezing can affect the lobster's texture and flavor, so it's generally better to eat fresh if possible.
How do you tell if lobster is bad?
For live lobsters, if the lobster is limp or if its tail doesn't curl when you pick it up, it has likely expired. A strong, pungent smell is a clear indicator of a bad lobster. Once cooked, the lobster meat should be cream or beige-colored and have a clean, fresh scent. If it's yellowish or grayish, it has probably turned bad. The same goes for the smell - if the cooked lobster meat has a foul or ammonia-like odor, it's time to throw it away.
Tips for storing lobster to extend shelf life
• Store live lobsters in a shallow pan or tray, covered loosely with wet newspapers or damp cloth, in your refrigerator's crisping drawer. Refrain from putting a fully sealed lid on the container as lobsters require air circulation. Remember, never freeze live lobsters as it will kill them.
• If you've already cooked the lobster, let it cool completely before storing. Place the cooled lobster in a tightly sealed container, and then in the refrigerator.
• To freeze cooked lobster meat, place it in a freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, and seal it tightly. You could also cover it with a brine (a solution of saltwater) before freezing to help maintain its juicy texture.
• Avoid freezing and thawing lobster meat multiple times, as this can significantly degrade its texture and taste.