How to Properly Eat Lobster Served Whole

Preparing to Eat Your Lobster

Before diving into your delicious lobster, make sure to thank your chef. Then, ensure you have the following items at your table:

• An extra plate for the lobster shell
• A lobster cracker
• A lobster pick or small fork
• A napkin or bowl of warm water for cleaning your fingers

Step-by-Step Guide to Eating Lobster

Removing the Claws

1. Detach the Claws: Pull the claws down and away from the body to remove them.
2. Crack the Claws: Use the lobster cracker to break the shell of the claw. This will allow you to extract the meat with the lobster pick.
3. Separate the Joints: Breaking the claw at the joint will make it easier to remove the meat.

Extracting Meat from the Legs

1. Detach the Legs: Pull the legs away from the body.
2. Remove the Meat: Use a lobster pick or a toothpick to loosen the meat. You can also suck the meat out of the leg shell.

Handling the Tail

1. Open the Tail: With the lobster belly facing up, pull the shell of the tail open.
2. Extract the Tail Meat: Pull the tail meat out in one big piece. The majority of the meat in a lobster is found in the tail and claws.

Accessing the Body Meat

1. Open the Body Shell: Pull open the body shell to access the white meat inside.
2. Optional Parts: The body also contains the brains and intestines, which are edible but optional to eat.

Enhancing the Flavor

• Lemon: Squeeze lemon over the cooked lobster to enhance its flavor.
• Butter: Soak each piece of meat in drawn butter for a rich taste.

Interesting Lobster Facts

• Lobster Consumption: Americans consume about 20 million pounds of lobster annually (source).
• Lobster Lifespan: Lobsters can live up to 50 years in the wild (source).
• Lobster Growth: Lobsters continue to grow throughout their lives and can reach up to 4 feet in length (source).

Conclusion

Eating a whole lobster may seem daunting, but with the right tools and a bit of know-how, you can enjoy this delicacy without any hassle. Whether you prefer it with a squeeze of lemon or dipped in butter, Maine lobster is a mouth-watering treat. Bon appétit!

This article provides a comprehensive guide to eating a whole lobster, ensuring you can enjoy this luxurious meal with confidence and ease.