The most prized crustacean in our collection of canned lobster

Lobster is one of those shellfish hardly anyone buys for everyday eating: it is expensive fresh, it has to be cooked with precision and picking it takes time. In a tin it comes already cooked and picked, with the meat ready to use. It is the practical way to enjoy lobster without a major operation.

Claw meat and body meat

Not all lobster meat is the same. Claw meat is firmer and more strongly flavoured; body and tail meat is finer and juicier. A good tin respects that distinction and presents whole pieces instead of shredding them, which is precisely what separates a high-end tin from any old filling.

Natural or as pâté

Natural meat is the version for cooking or assembling: on a toast, in a warm salad, in a rice dish or in a vinaigrette. Lobster pâté is the ready version, for spreading without preparing anything, and it goes a long way because the flavour is concentrated.

Before serving

Room temperature, never fridge-cold, which dulls the aroma. If you are using it in a hot dish, add it at the end and off the heat: the lobster is already cooked and cooking it again makes it rubbery.

Add your favourite tins to the basket and receive them in 24-48 hours.