- 1). Look first at the color of the live lobsters. A healthy lobster will have an olive-green to orange-brown shell. The familiar red shell of lobster doesn't occur until after it is cooked.
- 2). Observe the tails of the lobsters. The tail should be tucked tightly beneath the body of the lobster. Ask the attendant to pick up the lobsters. If the tail hangs down, uncurled, choose another lobster to buy.
- 3). Choose the liveliest lobsters. Fresh, healthy lobsters will move about in the tank. An unmoving lobster may not survive the trip home.