Oysters, They're Simply The Best!

One cannot write anything about oysters without saying,”Some people love ‘em. Some people hate ‘em.” The key to a good oyster is freshness. It should smell of the seashore as the tide recedes over seaweed-covered rocks. It should be full in the shell, firm in texture, and brimming with the natural juice that is its life blood (not just sea water); every spare drop of this should be soaked up with bread. The heel of the oyster, in the deep part of the shell, should be a creamy or ivory colour. The frill should be moist and pulsating, and the oyster should always look bright. Finally, if the shell isn't firmly closed it should do so immediately when tapped.

It is extremely rare to have a "bad" oyster, as fisheries have to purify them in clean water for 48 hours. I have friends who can down several dozen in one session, but they have been eating them for years. Oysters deliver a potent hit of pure protein and minerals, so over-indulgence can be too much for the system, just as too much alcohol can – avoid drinking spirits with them. Oyster flesh has a wondrous texture and, like any piece of meat, should be chewed. This also releases the full flavor, and the juice from the shell completes the experience. (Some insist on swallowing oysters in one; each to their own.)

They can be zipped up with lemon juice, vinegar, seasoning or Tabasco sauce. And, if you're not keen on raw shellfish, they can be lightly grilled, fried or baked in a little sauce. The most amazing Oyster that I had was at Oscar's Conrad Hotel in Singapore last November. I really enjoyed an impressive buffet with a wide range of international and local cuisine, and most importantly my all time favorite, super delicious Oysters! Although you could find Oysters at $1 in Singapore, i'd suggest that when it comes to Oysters you should not go for what is cheap, fact is that Oyster quality plays a fundamental role! I'd rather avoid eating Oysters instead of eating them in a fucked up bar with mediocre hygiene standards.

Here are some benefits of eating oysters:

1. Oysters contain more zinc than any other food. Zinc is necessary for proper growth and development, strengthens the immune system and promotes healing.

2. Oysters are heart healthy. They are high in omega – 3 fatty acids, potassium and magnesium which can help reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke and lower blood pressure.

3. Oysters can help you lose weight! They are low in calories, low in fat and a good source of protein which makes you feel fuller after eating.

4. Oysters are a good source of other essential nutrients. These include vitamins A, E, and C, zinc, iron, calcium, selenium, and vitamin B12.

5. Oysters can help improve your energy. They are a good source of iron which helps the body transport oxygen to individual cells giving you more energy.

6. Oysters can help lower your cholesterol. A study done by the University of Washington found that eating oysters can help raise the HDLs (good cholesterol levels) and lower the LDL’s (bad cholesterol levels).
Other interesting tidbits about oysters:

Other interesting aspects of Oysters

1. Oysters taste better in cooler weather. Spawning, which occurs in the warmer months of May, June, July and August, affects the taste. They are not bad, just not as tasty as in the cooler months.

2. Oysters are considered to be an aphrodisiac. American and Italian researchers found that they were rich in amino acids which trigger increased levels of sex hormones. Their high zinc content aids the production of testosterone.

3. Oysters can be safely eaten in non “R” months. The rule of thumb before refrigeration was not to eat oysters in months whose names have no “R”. This would be May through August when the hot weather would not allow for safe storage of the oysters. Thankfully, for all us oyster lovers, refrigeration makes it possible to eat them all year round!

4. Oysters are good for your garden. Oyster shells are high in calcium which helps balance your soil’s pH. Calcium also helps build strong cell walls which leads to healthier plants. BUT – don’t just throw your oyster shells in the garden though, they should be ground – or you could just purchase the ground oyster shell lime at the local garden center.

5. Oysters can contain harmful bacteria. Be sure of your source! Oysters are filter feeders meaning that they concentrate anything present in the surrounding water. In the gulf coast area, there would occasionally be warnings (after heavy rains causing the potential for water contamination), not to eat the bay seafood.

6. Shucking (opening) oysters is a competitive sport. Shucking oyster competitions are held worldwide. There is even a Guinness World Oyster Opening Championship in Galway, Ireland.

7. Eating oysters is environmentally friendly. They are on the Seafood Watch list as a “best choice”. This means that seafood in this category is abundant, well-managed and caught or farmed in environmentally friendly ways.