Shipping and Receiving Your Lobster Meat – What You Have to Do
Receiving your fresh, wild-caught Maine lobster meat from Shop Maine Lobster is an exciting experience. To ensure you get the most out of your purchase, it’s important to follow the proper steps for shipping and receiving your lobster meat. This guide will walk you through what you need to do once your order arrives.
How is My Order Shipped?
Your order is shipped with free expedited shipping to all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. We ship from Monday through Thursday, and you should allow 24-48 hours for order processing. Orders placed between Thursday and Sunday will be processed on Monday. You’ll receive a tracking number via email to keep an eye on your shipment’s status.
What to Do When You Receive Your Order
Once your order arrives, follow these steps to ensure your lobster meat remains in top condition:
Step 1: Check Your Package
- Ensure you are home to receive your package. It’s crucial to unpack it immediately and place the contents in your refrigerator or freezer.
Step 2: Unpack Your Lobster Meat
- Remove the lobster meat from the shipping box right away. If you plan to use it within the next two days, place it in the refrigerator to thaw. If you won’t be using it within two days, place it in the freezer.
Step 3: Thawing Your Lobster Meat
- To thaw your lobster meat, move it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly over 24 hours. This slow thawing process ensures the meat retains its texture and flavor. Never thaw lobster meat at room temperature.
Step 4: Storing Your Lobster Meat
- If your lobster meat arrives slightly thawed but still cool to the touch and below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you can safely refreeze it. If it arrives over 40 degrees Fahrenheit, place it in the refrigerator and use it within two days.
How to Re-Freeze Lobster Meat
If you find yourself needing to re-freeze lobster meat, follow these guidelines:
- Ensure the lobster meat has been kept in the refrigerator throughout the thawing process.
- Do not refreeze lobster meat that has been warmed up or left out at room temperature.
- If you’re not using all 2 lbs. of lobster meat and want to repackage it, thaw it in your fridge first. Remove the lobster meat from the package, dry it with paper towels, and place the unused portion in a freezer-safe package before returning it to the freezer.
Understanding the Shelf Life
Our flash-frozen lobster meat has an expiration date of two years from the processing date. However, for the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to use it within 30 days of receiving it.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your wild-caught Maine lobster meat remains fresh and delicious until you’re ready to enjoy it. For any additional questions or detailed instructions, refer to our FAQ section or contact our customer service team. Enjoy your premium lobster meat from Shop Maine Lobster!