Lobster

The heavier a lobster is in relation to its size, the more tender and succulent its flesh will be. Lobsters hold on strongly to life and can live off their own flesh for weeks, sometimes, before being sold. You can see no difference by looking at their shells, although their movements slowly become more languid, but the one sure test is weight - lightness in proportion to size is a defect, no matter what the size may be.

The lobster must be bought and used as fresh as possible. If bought alive, the lobster should be strong and active in its movements. If already cooked, the tail should be pressed tightly against the body and should spring back sharply when pulled out straight with the fingers.