Fresh Oysters
Oysters are one of the most popular seafood delicacies in the world. They are traditionally eaten raw on the half shell, however they are also a popular ingredient in gourmet cooking recipes such as Oysters Rockefeller and Oysters Bienville. There are several oyster species on the market including Atlantic, European flat, Olympia and Pacific oysters.
If you are an oyster connoisseur, then I'm sure you are aware of the R month rule. The rule states that the best time to eat oysters fresh in the shell is in the winter from September to April. While there are many differing opinions about this rule, I have discovered that there really is something to it. During the summer months fresh oysters tend to be very soft and milky. In the winter they are much more plump and pleasant to eat. Some people say eating oysters during the summer carries with it an increased risk of food poisoning. This is just a myth. Regardless, I recommend following the rule purely for love of quality. If you have an oyster craving during the summer just purchase frozen oysters, they are amongst the best fresh frozen seafood available.
Oysters are very healthy, every gram contains 150 mg of zinc which makes them the best source of zinc found in nature. They are also a great source of selenium and iron as well as vitamins A and D. Like salmon they also contain Omega-3 fatty acids which help prevent heart disease and several other common ailments.
When buying oysters fresh there are several factors to take into consideration. Fresh oysters should always be kept flat over ice. If they are bagged or piled up their fluids will drain and they will spoil. Their shells should always be closed tightly. If you find one with an open shell give it a quick poke and it should close immediately. If not, don't buy it as it is dead.
It's always best to buy fresh live oysters, however if you are planning to use them in a recipe, buying shucked fresh oysters will save you a lot of trouble. Shucked oysters should come submerged in liquor in a vacuum sealed bag. For safety reasons, I recommend buying Pacific and Atlantic oysters over Gulf Coast varieties. Gulf coast oysters have been known to contain dangerous toxins. If you should ever come across Gulf Coast oysters make sure they are certified healthy before consuming them. Pregnant women and people with weak immune systems should never eat oysters. It's also a bad idea to consume oysters with alcohol.
I prefer to order live oysters online. You are guaranteed the best fresh oysters when you buy online because you are buying directly from the grower. There are also a wide variety of oyster species available for purchase online and the pricing is generally lower than local stores. For more in-depth information on buying oysters online please refer to my buying oysters article.
You should always keep fresh oysters cold so be sure to put them in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home. Although they will last up to 1 week under a damp cloth in the refrigerator, it's always best to eat them within 24 hours. Many people have asked can you freeze fresh oysters, yes after shucking you can freeze fresh oysters in liquor for up to 3 months.
In my opinion the best way to eat oysters is raw on the half shell. However as I noted above, there are a myriad of oyster recipes available for the squeamish. My favorites include oyster gumbo and bisque. Please check out the accompanying article on eating oysters for more detailed information.
This oyster guide is a work in progress and I will be adding further information on how to prepare oysters and my favorite gourmet appetizer recipes, so if you are an oyster fanatic like I am be sure to bookmark it.
|
