For people who are lucky enough to live in New England or Eastern Canada, the freshest lobsters are those you buy right off the fishing boats. For the rest of us, the freshest lobsters just might be those that you order by mail - live! Live lobsters by mail - though they may travel thousands of miles - are usually fresher than those you see in saltwater tanks in the seafood section of a grocery store.
Lobsters can be kept alive in these tanks for weeks, but that time away from their natural habitat leaves them weaker. From lack of exercise, their flesh may even start to shrink inside their shells. The important thing is not just that the lobsters are alive when you buy them, but what condition they are actually in.
Live lobsters by mail, on the other hand, generally reach you within twenty-four hours of leaving their natural habitat. It's not the same as traveling to Martha's Vineyard and buying them off the boats, but it may actually be the next best thing.
The lobsters are placed in special air travel containers (they can survive out of water, a fact that not many people realize), where they can stay quite healthy and comfortable for up to 36 hours - ample time for them to get to you. Some companies - like the mail order company Lobster Gram - offer special packages of lobsters and lobster accessories and tools, and other ingredients to complete your meal. Sending or receiving a 'lobster gram' is a great way of participating in this unique aspect of east coast life.
Most lobsters grow a bit sluggish during their journey (probably from being in such a confined space) and very occasionally one may arrive DOA (dead on arrival). To see whether it is dead or just sleepy, touch its eye to see how it reacts. Even if it is dead, go ahead and cook it (separately from the others) and then test the consistency of the tail meat.
If it's firm, the lobster is good to eat. Otherwise, most mail order companies will be glad to send you a refund or a replacement lobster. ordering live lobsters by mail is an experience not to be missed!