Hard Shell Lobster

Hard shell or soft shell? If you buy lobster online, or plan to have someone ship lobsters to you - you probably won't have a choice. And, often times your local grocer or lobster pound won't be able to offer you a choice either. However...

At certain times of the year when buying live lobsters, typically late spring or early fall, you will need to decide whether to purchase a soft shell lobster or a hard shell lobster.

What's the difference? Just what the name implies.

One type of lobster has a soft outer shell. The other has a rigid shell that has been formed after the lobster has gone through a molting process.

Lobster Molting

Around 25 times during a lobster's first 6-7 years of life, it outgrows its shell and requires one that is larger.

The molting process begins...

Although there is no official lobster molting season, it's usually in late spring or early fall when underneath its hard, rigid shell the lobster grows a new one, and discards the old, leaving it behind forever.

The lobster is then left with a new shell that is very soft and needs several weeks to harden. Growth spurts will produce an increased supply of meat that will once again fill the shell, and the molting cycle will continue.

Once mature a female lobster will outgrow her shell around once every two years, and a male lobster will outgrow his around once a year.

You may also be interested in:
Soft Shell Lobster, Types of Lobsters, Types of Tails

Buying Hard Shell Lobster

Which do you buy soft shell or hard shell? Lobster connoisseurs around the globe are likely to make an attempt to persuade you one way or the other.

A hard shell fan may tell you...

Hard shells have more meat than soft shells.

The meat of a hard shell is firmer, and easier to cook, particularly if you plan on grilling lobsters.

Hard shells are much less fragile to ship than their soft shell counterparts.

And...

Although it is more difficult to crack hard shells, the lobster eating experience is not complete unless you have had to "work" at getting to the lobster meat.

On the other hand, a soft shell lover will say...

The meat of soft shells is softer and sweeter than the meat of hard shells.

Soft shell lobsters are much easier to eat - the shells can often be broken without crackers.

And...

Although disputable, if based on meat alone, soft shells cost less than hard shells.

Your best bet...
Try both, but don't try just one. I have found that lobster quality can vary from one lobster to another AND that not all soft shell lobster and hard shell lobster taste alike. But either way, how can you go wrong - isn't ALL lobster good!