When it comes to choosing fresh and tasty oysters, careful observation is key. Oysters have tightly closed shells, and knowing how to select the freshest ones is an art.
Here are some secrets to choosing the best oysters:
Look at the Shape
Pay attention to the tip of the oyster’s shell. Oysters with a pointed tip tend to have more meat inside.
The tastiest oysters usually have tightly closed shells and retain a certain amount of saltwater inside.
Fresh oysters are challenging to pry open, so be prepared for a workout!
Avoid oysters that can be easily opened by hand, as these are likely past their prime.
Oysters often cling to heavy objects like rocks. During harvesting, they may be pried off along with the attached rock. When buying oysters, choose individual ones with smoother shells. Avoid those with rough, clustered shells.
Tap the Shell
Tap the oyster’s shell and listen for a hollow sound. If it’s silent, the oyster is likely old and dry, with none of the juicy meat you’re looking for.
Examine the Meat
When you pry open an oyster and see that the meat is still firmly attached to the shell and there’s some liquid inside, it’s a sign of freshness.
Avoid oysters with greenish meat, as these are egg-carrying oysters and will taste bitter.
If the oyster’s intestines show visible veins, it’s a sign that the oyster has been soaked in water for too long, and the meat won’t be as fresh and tasty.
Avoid Soaked Oysters
Oysters don’t need to be soaked after harvesting. Choose dry oysters instead of those soaked in water.
Don’t Buy Shucked Oysters
Oysters are at their freshest when they’re still in their shells. Once shucked, the meat quickly loses quality and becomes prone to bacterial growth.
It’s best to choose whole oysters and have the seller shuck them for you on the spot, ensuring maximum freshness.
If you buy pre-shucked oysters, pay attention to the production date, expiration date, and storage conditions. The meat should be sealed in airtight packaging and kept refrigerated.
Storing Oysters
If you’re not eating your oysters right away, here’s how to store them:
– Place the oysters in a tray with the tip facing down.
– Dampen a cloth with cold water.
– Cover the oysters with the damp cloth and place the tray in the refrigerator.
With this method, your oysters will stay fresh for up to three days.
Shucking Oysters
Oyster shells can be tricky to open, and they tend to hold a lot of dirt and sand. Make sure to give them a good rinse under a strong stream of water. You can even use a brush to scrub the shells clean.
After rinsing, place the oysters in a colander to drain, and then it’s time to shuck.
This process requires some dexterity and caution. First, carefully examine the edges of the shell. Hold the oyster firmly in one hand and use a sharp knife to gently pry the shell open. Twist the knife slightly to separate the shells.
For oysters with softer shells, like oyster milk, you can use a large pair of scissors to cut along the edge of the shell. Then, use the tip of the scissors to pry the shells apart gently.
Once shucked, you can serve the oysters on a plate, grilled, or steamed, depending on your preference.
If shucking proves too challenging, you can also try lightly steaming the oysters for 1-2 minutes to loosen the shells. Alternatively, place them in a microwave for a short burst or on a grill for 2-3 minutes to encourage the shells to open. These methods are excellent options if you plan to cook the oysters with buttered onions or cheese.
According to Vietnamnet
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