Adams describes these farms as “carbon capture farms, which are essentially living and breathing filters to purify water in a natural and cohesive way that fits any natural waterway system. If one oyster can filter more than 50 liters of water per day on its own, imagine the water impact even for small and medium-sized oyster farms! It’s incredible. We have done so much damage to our waters in such a short space of time by modern industrialization, and oysters are a clear choice to help heal and reverse some of that destruction. “

Ready to do just that? Read on to find out everything you need to know about eating oysters.

How to buy the freshest oysters

If you plan to cook oysters yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind when shopping. Adams says that ideally you should buy them from a reputable fishmonger, but if you can’t, make sure the fish section of the store is clean and the seafood looks and smells fresh. (“If you can smell the fish section from the deli, you’re in trouble,” he says.)

“Next, you should always be able to ask the fishmonger if you can check the shellfish harvest stamps that the vendors keep for 90 days,” says Adams. These tags show the harvest date and location of oysters and other mussels such as mussels and clams. “If they don’t want to show you their tags, don’t buy from them,” he says.

Finally, take a look at how the oysters are stored. they should be on self-emptying ice “and not sit in half-melted ice submerged in fresh water, which will kill them.”

Finally, the bowls should be tightly closed.

Peel oysters like a pro

Peeling oysters takes a little practice. Adams recommends using a New Haven style oyster knife ($ 10) because they are all-purpose. Here’s how to shake them step by step.

1. “Find the flat top and bottom shells and insert the knife at the sharp point between the two – not the rounded edge,” says Adams.

2. “Use a movement that is partly ‘cranking a motorcycle’ and partly ‘bobbing’ with a little pushing movement.” This can take some getting used to as each oyster has a different feel. All you have to do is find that point of friction and then use the lever movement to apply pressure.

3. When you finally have access and hear / feel the popping of the oyster opening, Adams says that you need to scrape the oyster knife across the inner roof of the oyster to loosen the adductor muscle. Discard the top shell.

4. Slide the oyster knife under the oyster to reveal the adductor at the bottom of the shell. Flip the oyster over to make sure it is released (and hide any damage you made when you opened the lid).

5. Slurp away.

Additional Tips From Adams: Go Slow, Be Safe, and Use the Same Type of Oyster the first few times you get the hang of it.

How to eat oysters

“Simple is best when it comes to eating,” he adds. “Serving you a cold beer after a 12-hour day naked is probably the most common way I’ve consumed oysters in my life, but it’s not my favorite method,” he says.

For a change, serve them on half the bowl with a dollop of fresh horseradish cocktail sauce or a sauce based on herbs and vinegar.

For cooked oyster recipes, he recommends going the traditional Rockefeller way or grilling them with a chorizo ​​butter. “And if beer isn’t your thing, a glass of cold champagne or rosé is the thing,” he adds.

Health benefits of raw oysters

Didn’t you think we’d leave you without a healthy reason to eat oysters, did you? Oysters are packed with health benefits. You can find some of them below.

1. Oysters are a powerful source of many important nutrients: zinc, vitamin B12, iron, selenium, and vitamin D.

Where should I start. Oysters are rich in zinc, which is essential for optimal immune system function and cell growth. A 3.5-ounce serving of oysters provides over 600 percent of the RDI for zinc. They contain a powerful vitamin B12 punch, which is critical to maintaining the nervous system and making blood cells. Many people, especially older adults, are deficient in this vitamin.

Oysters are also rich in iron, which is needed for hemoglobin and myoglobin production. These proteins carry oxygen around your body. Oysters also contain selenium, a mineral and antioxidant that helps maintain proper thyroid function and fight free radicals in the body.

After all, they’re high in vitamin D – essential for immune system health, cell growth, and bone health. Many people are also deficient in this vitamin, especially those who live in colder climates. Oysters help you meet your daily needs.

2. Oysters are high in protein.

A single oyster can contain up to two grams of protein, depending on its size. That means half a dozen oysters can provide you with around 12 grams of protein, which is roughly the equivalent of two ounces of meat.

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