Is Your Lobster Fresh? Here Are 3 Warning Signs to Look for - Pine Tree Seafood

Is Your Lobster Fresh? Here Are 3 Warning Signs to Look for

Is Your Lobster Fresh? Here Are 3 Warning Signs to Look for

Lobsters are a delicious delicacy, but they’re also notoriously tricky to keep fresh. If you’re not careful, that lobster you bought for a special dinner could end up being rubbery and gross. 

So, how can you tell if a fresh Maine lobster is still fresh? Here are three warning signs to look out for.

How to Store Lobster Meat

Lobster is a delicious, indulgent seafood that can be enjoyed year-round. But how long does lobster meat stay fresh? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about storing lobster meat, so it stays fresh and delicious. 

The best way to store lobster meat is by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in the fridge. If you have cooked lobster meat, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

You can also freeze cooked lobster meat. To do this, place the meat in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in a freezer-safe wrap. Frozen lobster meat will stay fresh for up to six months. 

When thawing frozen lobster meat, do so slowly in the refrigerator, so the meat doesn’t get tough. You can also cook frozen lobster meat without thawing it first; simply add an extra few minutes to the cooking time. 

Top 3 Warning Signs To Look Out For with Lobster Freshness

Lobsters are delicious, but finicky food; it can be tough to know if they’re still good to eat. When in doubt, it’s always better to play it safe and throw out a questionable lobster than to risk eating one that’s gone bad. 

Use these three tips as a guide next time you’re buying lobsters, and you’ll be sure to get only the freshest ones available.

1. The Sniff Test

If you’re a fan of lobster, then you know that this delicious crustacean can be tricky to tell if it has gone bad. 

The first step in discerning whether or not your lobster has spoiled is to pay attention to the smell. Lobster meat past its prime often has a fishy or sour odor.

2. The Color Test

then, you can look at the color of the meat to help determine whether or not it should be discarded. If the lobster meat is turning gray or brown, it’s likely gone bad and needs to be thrown away.

3. The Feel Test

A lobster’s shell should be hard to the touch. If it feels soft or mushy in any way, that means the lobster is no longer fresh. 

Remember, when in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and throw out a questionable lobster than to risk getting food poisoning. 


Lobster is a delicious seafood that can be enjoyed year-round. If you’re planning on serving up some lobster for your next meal, keep these tips in mind so that your lobster meat stays fresh and delicious. 
Ready to try a fresh Maine lobster for yourself? Order today or come into our Scarborough, Maine location to purchase fresh-caught Maine lobster.

SCARBOROUGH’S LOCAL, FRESH SEAFOOD AND PRODUCE MARKET SERVING SOUTHERN MAINE AND AVAILABLE FOR ONLINE ORDERING