Here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about oysters, from understanding their different types to ordering them in a restaurant, shucking them at home, and even buying them online:

What are Oysters?

• Oysters are bivalve mollusks that grow in saltwater or brackish water.
• They come in various sizes, textures, and flavors, influenced by their environment.

The Different Types of Oysters

• East Coast oysters are typically salty, briny, and minerally.
• West Coast oysters include Pacific, Kumamoto, and Olympia varieties, each with distinct flavors.
• European Flat oysters, also known as Belon oysters, have a robust metallic and smoky taste.

How to Order Oysters in a Restaurant

• Start with a selection of East and West Coast oysters to compare flavors.
• Order multiple rounds to explore different regions and preferences.
• Ask your waiter for recommendations based on your taste preferences.

How to Eat Oysters

• Enjoy oysters on the half shell directly from the shell, savoring the liquor inside.
• Use lemon or mignonette sparingly to enhance flavors without overpowering them.
• Store leftover shells facing down in a bowl in the refrigerator for up to seven days.

How to Shuck Oysters at Home

• Use a proper oyster knife and apply gentle pressure to the hinge to open the shell.
• Cut the top adductor muscle and remove any shell fragments before consuming.
• Serve freshly shucked oysters on crushed ice or enjoy them straight away.

The Best Places to Buy Oysters Online

• Island Creek Oysters, Pangea Shellfish, Fulton Fish Market, Goldbelly, and Hog Island Oyster Co. are reputable online vendors offering fresh oysters.

Oysters, Sustainability, and the Environment

• Oyster farms contribute positively to the environment by improving water quality and providing habitats for marine life.
• Farmed oysters are a sustainable seafood option with minimal environmental impact.

Wine Pairings for Oysters

• Champagne, Chablis, Gruner Veltliner, Albarino, and lighter beers are ideal pairings for oysters, complementing their delicate flavors.

The Best Books About Oysters

• Recommended books include “A Geography of Oysters” and “The Essential Oyster” by Rowan Jacobsen, as well as “The Big Oyster” by Mark Kurlansky.

Are Oysters Alive?

• Oysters are technically alive when consumed raw, but they lack the ability to feel pain due to their lack of a central nervous system.
• Oysters become dormant at low temperatures, such as those used for storage and consumption.

With this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to appreciate and enjoy oysters whether dining out or hosting a gathering at home.