Guide: Live Crustaceans (Lobsters & Crabs)

You’ve got live lobsters and Jonah crabs, now let’s make sure they stay that way! Proper storage and handling are crucial for maintaining the freshness and quality of your seafood. Follow this simple guide to learn how to keep your new arrivals happy and healthy until they hit the pot.

Handling and Storing Live Lobsters and Jonah Crabs

When your live seafood arrives, you'll want to handle and store it correctly to keep it as fresh as possible. Here are some key tips to follow.

Storing Your Lobsters & Crabs

Refrigerate Immediately: As soon as you open the package, take the lobsters out and place them in your refrigerator.
Keep It Salty: Leave the included saltwater paper or other moist, salty material on top. This helps keep them in their ideal environment.
Good Airflow: Ensure the container has plenty of air holes or is loosely covered to allow for oxygen flow. Never seal them in a bag.
Drainage is Key: Do not let the crabs sit in standing water. If you are using ice packs, make sure the melted water can drain away, as freshwater can kill them.
Optimal Freshness: For the best flavor and texture, it's recommended to cook your lobsters and crabs the same day you receive them. However, they can last for several days if you store them properly.

Checking for Liveliness

A healthy, lively lobster will straighten its tail and move its claws when you pick it up. If you need to handle one, grab the sides of its body firmly from the top to avoid getting pinched.

Sleepy Seafood: Sometimes, lobsters and crabs can become sluggish or "sleepy" due to travel and cold temperatures. This is normal. As long as the legs still show some movement, the animal is alive and safe to eat.
Waking Them Up: If a lobster or crab doesn't move when you first pick it up, place it down on a surface for a few minutes to let it warm up. It may start to move. If it shows no signs of life after this, contact us and submit your photo and videos using our form.

What to Avoid

Do NOT put ice directly on the lobsters or crabs. Freshwater is harmful to them.
Do NOT store them in a sealed bag. This cuts off important oxygen flow that your live items need.
Do NOT keep them in a warm or unrefrigerated environment. The ideal storage temperature for live seafood is 38° - 42°F.