How To Eat Oysters

Do you want to know how to eat oysters? Those hard to open, tasty morsels in a shell are considered a delicacy by many. But, in order to eat them, you have to know how to open them. On this page, you will learn how to open oysters and how to eat them raw on the half shell.

People have been eating oysters since the dawn of mankind. As a food source, they are rich in nutrients including zinc, iron, selenium, vitamins A and D and the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA.http://www.westonaprice.org/Oysters.html They are firm in texture, but slippery when they run out of the shell and into your mouth. They are salty like the sea. If the ones you buy are too salty, a little lemon can help to reduce the saltiness.http://www.chow.com/stories/10713 They are considered a delicacy all around the world. While they can be cooked or dipped in many different kinds of sauces, the purists will tell you that they are best eaten with just a little lemon juice.

Eating raw oysters is not an activity that everyone enjoys. However, if you have the opportunity to eat some fresh, good-quality oysters, consider trying at least one. Many people find that they actually end up enjoying the unique flavor of fresh oysters.

The four species of oysters are Pacific or Japanese oysters, Atlantic or Eastern oysters, Olympias and European flat oysters. Cold water oysters like those from the Pacific and North Atlantic coasts are safest to eat. Some from warmer waters may contain a dangerous bacterium that can make you sick. In fact, because of this bacterium, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems should avoid oysters altogether. Oysters are best eaten in the fall, winter or spring, but are at their peak in the winter when they are the most firm and flavorful. During the spawning season in the summer, oysters become softer and lose some of their flavor.http://www.asianonlinerecipes.com/cooking_guide/eating-oysters.php

When shopping for fresh oysters, look for ones that are displayed flat on a bed of ice. As much as possible, oysters should be laid flat to keep their juices from running out. Only buy oysters whose shells are tightly closed. If they are open even a crack, they can lose their juices and their meat can dry out. For best taste and maximum freshness, eat them soon after purchasing them. If necessary, oysters can be stored for a day or two before eating them, but must always be kept cold, or they will start to open and lose their freshness.

• When storing oysters:

1. Lay them flat
2. Wrap them in a damp tea towel or place in a bucket or pan of ice
3. Place them in the fridge

• Although their shells help keep the meat and liquid inside the shells fresh, they can pose a bit of a problem, as they are difficult to open. To efficiently open a closed oyster shell, you will need a specialized tool called an oyster knife.

1. Before shucking the oysters, rinse them thoroughly in cold water.http://www.bigoven.com/537-Fresh-Oysters-on-the-Half-Shell-recipe.html
2. Wear a glove or wrap a towel around your hand to protect it in case the knife slips.
3. Hold the oyster in your towel-wrapped hand, with the rounder side of the shell on the bottom.
4. Slide the knife between the top and bottom portions of the shell near the hinge.
5. Twist the knife to the side to pop open the hinge.
6. Cut the oyster from the top part of the shell and discard the top shell.
7. Loosen the oyster from the bottom part of the shell with the knife.
8. Place each shucked oyster flat on a bed of ice.
9. Shucked oysters can be covered with a wet towel and kept in the refrigerator for up to an hour.

Mastering the skill of opening oysters using an oyster knife takes some practice. If you aren't having any success, place the oysters in the microwave for about 30 seconds or on a hot grill for two or three minutes to open them.

As we said earlier, purists will tell you that oysters on the half shell should be eaten with just a splash of lemon juice. Others, however, prefer to eat their oysters with a variety of garnishes. Some of the most popular alternatives to lemon juice are cocktail sauce, Tabasco sauce, shallot vinegar or horseradish. You can also find recipes online or in cookbooks for fancier garnishes. Whatever garnishes you choose to serve with oysters, it is best to serve them on the side so that people can serve themselves. Also remember, when it comes to garnishes, a little can go a long way. Too much might overwhelm the flavor of the oyster itself.

If you plan to serve alcohol with dinner, oysters are best paired with a dry, crisp white wine such as a Riesling or Chardonnay.http://www.globalgourmet.com/food/egg/egg0298/oydrink.html Other possible choices include champagne or sherry. Beer can be good with oysters too, as long as you select one that is not too heavy or dark.

Once the oysters are open, they should be served on the shell and consumed with the liquid, or "liquor," that surrounds them.

1. Use a fork to move the oyster around slightly in the shell to ensure that it is not still attached. If it is still attached, use the fork to gently pry it from the shell.
2. Hold the oyster shell between your thumb and forefinger so that the narrowest part of the shell is pointing toward your mouth.
3. Place the edge of the shell near your lips.
4. When ready, tilt your head back slightly while tipping the shell.
5. Allow the oyster and the liquid to slide into your mouth.
6. Don't swallow the oyster whole. For the best taste experience, oysters should be chewed slowly and savored.