Do I want a hard-shell or soft-shell lobster? Lobsters continually outgrow and shed their old shells, leaving a soft shell. As the lobster feeds, its shell gradually hardens again, and it adds meat to its body. Soft-shell lobsters, therefore, have less meat than hard-shell lobsters. Some people prefer soft-shells, though, for the meat is a little sweeter, and no tools are needed to crack them apart.

What size lobster do I need? A 1- to 2-pound (1/2- to 1-kilogram) lobster feeds one person.

Is there a special lobster season? Lobsters have more meat in the winter, and tend to shed during the summer. For instance, lobsters from Maine are primarily harvested between August and November.

How much does lobster cost? During the winter, a 1-pound (1/2-kilogram) lobster can cost anywhere from $5 to $7 (U.S.), though prices may change from year to year, depending on the size of the harvest.