How to Distinguish between a Male and Female Lobster

There is only one true way to tell a male from a female lobster.
The eggs or roe from the female lobsters may not be preffered.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Male lobster
• Female lobster

1. Many cooks and chefs like to know the sex of a lobster, as they may prefer not to choose a female that may be carrying eggs.
   Female lobster generally have wider tails for this purpose, but it may just be a larger male .
   
   So how can we tell?

2. Turn the lobster over and go to the end of the legs closest to where the tail meats the head.
   Find the "Swimmerets" an appendage sticking out between the last set of legs.

3. If the swimmerets are frail and delicate it is a female lobster.
   The male lobster has thicker and larger swimmerets.
   This really is the only true way to tell the sex of a lobster.

4. To cook a live lobster, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
   Some cooks take a large Chef's knife and cut the nerve through the last joint of the lobsters head before cooking.
   Drop the lobster into the boiling water and cook for 12 minutes per pound.

Tips & Warnings

• When holding live lobsters, make sure there are rubber bands wrapped around their claws and hold the lobster by it's back near the head, so it won't try to snap you with it's tail.