Aloha, Microwaving is fast but can leave micro-stress cracks in some. I found simply freezing & thawing works very well. No mess. Just pull the de-frosted animal out after at least 1/2 a day after you remove it from the freezer. Make sure to place in tupperware because the thin lips become very brittle while frozen. Mahalo! CHRIS:) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs To leave this list, click on the following web link: http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1 Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and click leave the list. ----------------------------------------------------------------------