The tail carries the majority of the meat, but the legs offer their fare share. Lobsters continuously molt, taking 5 to 6 years to reach harvest size. Lobsters are found from Eastern Canada to North Carolina, while Maine contributes to the bulk of the US catch.
American lobsters are available year-round, although summer is the biggest season in Maine.
Lobster habitat ranges from rocky shores to the edges of the continental shelf. Store live lobsters in aerated tanks at 40F, one animal per 2 gallons of salt water. Decontaminate the lobster before placing it in the tank by dipping it in saltwater. Weed out and cook the weak ones, as they are cannibalistic. A live lobster can live in excess of 24 hours out of the water if kept very cool and moist.