Have you ever wondered how to eat oysters? Or maybe even what are oysters and what do they taste like? Here’s everything you need to know.
Approximately 95% of the oysters consumed worldwide are farm-raised. While they’re in high demand, many people have never tried raw oysters on the half shell. As a result, they’re missing out on one of the most romantic dishes in the world. They are also on our list of Most Expensive Foods.
In this article, we answer questions like: What do oysters taste like? Are oysters good for you? How to eat oysters?
Like our other guide to what can be mysterious ingredients such as Mushrooms, Truffles, Uni, and Caviar, this is a comprehensive article. Continue reading to learn all about oysters for your next special-occasion meal.
Oysters are a type of ocean shellfish, specifically bivalve mollusks. They live in coastal waters and congregate around piers, large rocks, or old shells. As they get bigger, they fuse together and create a structure similar to a coral reef.
While creating a structure that doubles as a habitat for other animals and plants, they also help filter the water by feeding on algae.
The answer to the question, ‘are oysters vegan,’ depends on an individual’s definition of vegan. Some vegetarians and vegans are comfortable eating mollusks such as mussels and oysters because they have no central nervous system or brain.
As bivalve mollusks, oysters are definitely not plants, so they would not be considered plant-based. However, with no brain, it’s unlikely mollusks feel pain the way other animals and fish do. For this reason, some vegans will eat oysters, and as we’ll go over, they can be a good source of zinc and vitamin B12.
According to ocean farmer, Bren Smith in The Ocean Solution film, oysters and mussels are one of the most sustainable foods. Beef is around 28kg of C02 per 1kg of beef, while mussels can be 0.6kg of C02 per kg of mussel meat, which is lower than even most vegan sources of protein.
Not only are they sustainable, but shellfish farming can actually be beneficial to the environment, as they clean the ocean and create a thriving underwater ecosystem for other sea life.
What do they taste like? Well, one might say they taste like the ocean, with a hint of brininess. Some oysters can have distinct flavors which vary from region to region. In fact, depending on what kind of water it’s grown in, an oyster could be described as sweet, earthy, spicy or even slightly floral!
Add the Right Sauce
The right sauce can heighten your oyster-eating experience. While we recommend starting with raw oysters with a bit of lemon juice to thoroughly understand the taste, there are other sauces to make your experience even better.
One of the best sauces for oysters is a mignonette sauce. It’s made with shallots, vinegar, and cracked pepper. It pairs well with the briny sea flavor from fresh oysters. However, cocktail sauce or horseradish are good options as well.
How to Eat Oysters on the Half Shell
Many people wonder, ‘are oysters alive when you eat them?’ Oysters are often served while still alive or just after they’ve been killed. This helps preserve the freshness until the last possible second.
However, it also depends on whether you order cooked oysters or raw oysters on the half shell. Many chefs and food critics recommend eating raw oysters for maximum flavor. However, the choice is ultimately yours. If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of raw oysters, you might want to start with a dish like Oysters Rockefeller.
If you choose to eat raw oysters on the half shell, you need to learn how to eat oysters properly. Taking the right approach will give you the best experience.
We recommend eating your raw oysters with a small fork for multiple reasons. The first reason is that it allows you to ensure the oyster is released from its shell. If it’s still attached, you’ll have a more challenging time eating it.
Another reason is that the ‘slurping’ method prevents you from getting the whole experience of learning how to eat oysters. Plus, eating your oyster from the half shell may leave you with a mouthful of saltwater. In some areas, this is less than ideal.
5 People Try Oysters for the First Time || First Timers
FAQ
What do the best oysters taste like?
How do you describe the taste of oysters?
What are the best oysters for beginners?
What do oysters taste like?
Oysters are regarded as a delicacy, they vary in shape and color, and are commonly eaten cooked or raw. Oysters have a soft and chewy texture, the hint of flavors you may taste in an oyster are buttery or creamy, sweet, and salty.
Are oysters good for health?
Oysters are good sources of copper, zinc, manganese and vitamin D. People suffering from osteoporosis are recommended to have oysters in combination with calcium. They are also a good source of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin E, A, folate and other B complex vitamins. Always cook seafoods as they harbor many bacteria, viruses and parasites.
Do fresh oysters taste fishy?
Just like other raw seafood, fresh oysters shouldn’t taste overly fishy. Instead, they should taste like the ocean. It’s important when slurping and shucking to leave the oyster’s liquor (the natural juices inside the shell) in. This liquor will give you the full flavor experience. As oysters are cooked, their flavors can also change.
What do Olympia oysters taste like?
Olympia oysters are from the Pacific Northwest, specifically Washington state’s Puget Sound. Their oval shape is unique when compared to other species. While light on the meat, these oysters have a strong, salty flavor. The texture is creamy and similar to that found in European oysters.