If you’re not a regular at the raw bar, it can be intimidating to slurp up an oyster in public if you don’t know what your doing. It’s certainly not your typical seafood fish or meal that you can use a fork and knife for. It requires a certain technique to master the art. Luckily, it’s not too difficult once you get the hang of it! Like everything else, practice makes perfect. We have some tips to help you dig into your oyster and look like you know what you’re doing. Before you know it, you’ll be tossing them back like the pros!
Use the smallest fork to gently loosen the oyster from the shell. This will allow it to slide into your mouth smoothly. Once it’s loosened, raise the edge of the shell to your lips and gently tip it back until the entire oyster has slid into your mouth. Don’t drain off the liquid, known as oyster liquor, from the shell before you eat it either. This liquid perfectly compliments the flavors of the oyster and shouldn’t be wasted!
We’re often asked, “Are you supposed to chew oysters?” and we’re here to tell you that despite what you may have heard, it’s not recommended to swallow an oyster whole. Biting into the oyster allows flavorful juices to escape and enhances the overall savoring experience.
Relax. Theres no right way to eat an oyster. Take your tiny fork and sort of move the oyster around in its liquid-filled half shell to make sure its detached. Then put down your fork, pick up the shell, and slurp down the oyster from the wide end—its more aerodynamic that way. Chew the fish one or twice before you swallow it. Its an urban legend that you are supposed to let it slide down your throat without biting into it. Think of an oyster like a grape: if you dont chew the grape, you wont get the full flavor.
Start by explaining the tastes and textures you like (or think you would like) to your waiter. Its O.K. if you are confused by oyster names; they are hard to master. Traditionally oysters are named based on the bay or location where they are grown, and the oysters take on the characteristics of that water.
Also, know the difference between East and West Coast oysters: East Coast little guys are more mild, brinier, and saltier, while there is a creamy sweetness to West Coast varieties.
If you know what kind of oysters you like, should you always order that type from the menu?
Oysters usually come with various accoutrements (lemon, cocktail sauce, a mignonette sauce of red-wine vinegar and shallots), but its up to you whether you want to garnish your little guy. (Purists prefer not to.)
Don’t Forget to Chew
It’s a common misconception that you should swallow an oyster whole. Chewing an oyster is the best way to enjoy the full flavor profile. Savor the oyster and take your time chewing before you swallow.
Is it Safe to Eat Raw Oysters? A Doctor Answers
FAQ
Why should you not chew oysters?
What is the rule for eating oysters?
How much should you chew an oyster?
Is eating 12 oysters too much?
What happens if you eat oysters raw?
In the process, they filter out harmful substances from the water. That filtration is great for the ocean ecosystem but makes eating oysters risky for humans because potentially harmful bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens can build up in the mollusk’s tissues. If you eat the oysters raw or undercooked, those germs can be passed along to you.
Are oysters bad for cholesterol levels?
No, on the contrary, studies show that frequent consumption of oysters manages to lower cholesterol levels, due to the high content of essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6).
Can a few oysters hurt you?
MYTH:Just a few oysters can’t hurt you. Fact: Roberta Hammond, Ph.D, the Food and Waterborne Disease Coordinator for Florida, cites a case where a fatality caused by Vibrio vulnificus occurred after eating only three oysters.
Do oysters smell bad?
Oysters come in a variety of sizes. Whether you like big or small oysters is a personal thing, but the oyster should look full in the shell and not be too thin or taste too salty. And a bad oyster will smell, well, bad. Just because a restaurant has a reputation for serving good oysters doesn’t necessarily mean they are quality.