What is the difference between Hard-shell and Soft-shell lobsters?
Lobsters grow by molting, or shedding their shells each year. Just after they molt, they are soft and fragile until their new shell has hardened. This usually takes a few months. Then they are once again known as “Hard-shell” lobsters. Soft-shell (also called “New shell”) lobsters are not as full of meat because their new shell is larger than the muscle. This allows for another year’s growth. New shell lobsters represent 90% of the catch during the summer months. They are always less expensive and generally contain sweeter and juicier meat than the Hard-shells.
