Live lobsters can be kept for approximately 12 hours under refrigerated conditions although most will survive for at least 24 hours. They should, however, be checked upon arrival. If you need to take them out of the container, cover your lobsters with a damp cloth until you’re ready to cook them. How long will they stay alive? Lobsters can live up to 48 hours out of circulating salt water if they are properly refrigerated. They'll snooze and bubble but I … Or so research suggests.But scientists won’t be able to tell how long lobsters really live because traps aren’t designed to catch the largest lobsters. Bring the water to a strong boil over high heat. Q. Toss it in a pot of boiling water for 10-12 minutes, depending on the size. Cover. Just put them in a paper bag and put them in a cool part of the refrigerator. Lobsters don’t need to be jumping out of the box to be fresh and good eating. Sarah Castor-Perry dipped her toe int this question... Sarah - The simple answer is no. Lobsters have evolved to live in water. Stir the lobsters halfway through cooking. Lobsters will die if they dry out, and can only last so long when refrigerated. A 4- to 5-gallon pot can handle 6 to 8 pounds of lobster. Keeping lobsters moist doesn't mean that they have to be submerged. If it’s sitting on ice be sure to empty fresh water periodically because it will suffocate. Blue Lobsters can live up to 5 or 6 years old with the proper care. In fact, lobsters are much better off being out of water during shipment. A. They exchange gases through their gills and they will actually die if they are out of water for too long, but they will actually survive for a small amount of time. Add 2 tablespoons of salt for each quart of water. They keep growing forever. Because they require a large tank, blue lobsters should be keep in a tank of at least 20 gallons. Great lobster recipes on Food Republic: Lobster Guacamole; Lobster Scrambled Eggs; Spaghetti with Lobster, Chiles and Mint How long can you keep live lobsters in a refrigerator? Therefore, do not pack them directly on ice because the melted ice can become a problem. Lobsters are hardy creatures even out of water. When handled properly, lively, hard-shelled lobsters can easily live out of water for 4 or 5 days. They are excellent escape artists, and … If, when removed, the lobster’s tail curls stiffly under its abdomen, you’re good to go. Live lobsters cannot be stored in fresh water or enclosed in plastic bags. Place the live lobsters in one at a time, headfirst, completely submerging them. How long do lobsters live? Add 1/4 cup sea salt for each gallon of water. If they are not moving, it is best to cook them immediately. Fill with water, allowing 3 quarts of water per 1-1/2 to 2 pounds of lobster. If it’s limp or floppy in the least, toss it. 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