Dear Sun Spots: Does anyone have information on when the best time of year would be to eat lobster, and is hard or soft shell best? In the past, I have had lobster that tasted like wood ­- no taste at all. – No Name, Chesterville.

Answer: Personally, anytime is the best time to eat lobster and the taste is dependent on cooking procedure and time. However, according to the Maine Lobster Promotion Council, nothing compares to the delicious taste of Maine lobster, especially if you know how to select the best. Their Web site provides all you need to know when selecting, storing and cooking Maine lobster:

• When selecting lobsters, look for lobsters that move around, hold their claws up – the claws should never hang limply – and curl their tails underneath.

• Hard shell lobsters have been living in their shells for quite a while, and they’re usually fuller. However, it requires the use of utensils to gain access to the meat.

• Soft shell or new shell lobsters have recently shed their shell and are growing into new shells. Some think this lobster meat is sweeter and more tender than hard shell lobster. And, it’s easier to get it out of the shell.

• Live lobsters should be stored in open containers in the refrigerator and kept moist with seaweed or sea water dampened with towels or newspaper. Do NOT immerse lobsters in water or place on ice in an airtight container or they will suffocate and die. Live lobsters can live up to 48 hours provided they are kept cold and their gills are kept moist, as described above.

• Store cooked lobsters in rigid, airtight containers. The product is best if used within three days from time of cooking.

Live Maine lobster cooking methods:

Steaming lobster: Put 2 inches of seawater or salted water in the bottom of a large kettle. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Put in the live lobsters, one at a time, grasping just behind the claws. Cover the pot, return to a boil as quickly as possible, and start time. Allow 18 minutes for a 1- to 1¼-pound hard-shell lobster and 20 minutes for a 1½-pound hard-shell lobster. If the lobster has a soft shell, reduce the cooking time by three minutes.

Boiling lobster: Fill a large kettle no more than three-quarters full of seawater or salted water. Add two tablespoons of salt for each quart of water. A good rule of thumb is to allow 2½ quarts of water for each lobster. Bring the water to a boil. Put in the live lobsters, one at a time, and let the water boil again. Lower the heat, cover the kettle, and simmer for about 15 minutes for a 1- to 1¼-pound hard-shell lobster and 20 minutes for a 1½-pound hard-shell lobster. If the lobster has a soft shell, reduce the cooking time by three minutes.

For more information on how to eat and enjoy Maine lobster, recipes, health benefits, and much, much more, visit the Maine Lobster Promotion Council’s Web site at www.mainelobsterpromo.com.

Dear Sun Spots: The company Citi, that deals with credit cards, has a new advertisement on TV with a song and guitar. The guitar had the most beautiful sound and the song was great. I was wondering if you could find out what the song and guitar accomplishment is and if it is available on CD or cassette. I just can’t get the music out of my mind. I thank you kindly and do keep up the good work you do for us all. – Barbara Titcomb, Farmington.

Answer: Attempts to reach Citibank or parent company CitiCorp’s marketing department were unsuccessful and Google searches came up empty. Sun Spots is not familiar with the commercial and welcomes responses from readers.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].