There is an old saying that eating oysters is the same as eating money. The connections of the product to luxury stems from the high costs of its production associated with its complexity (Floyd). Because of this, many people are intimidated by oysters and develop misconceptions that prevent them from trying the shellfish, such as that oysters should only be eaten in months that contain the letter “r” (Schiessl). However, by knowing simple steps to follow when trying oysters, it is possible to increase the chances of having a pleasurable experience. The main universal rule that applies to all oysters is that the product should always be consumed fresh.
If a person likes sushi, they are on their way to loving oysters as well (Jacobsen 47). When given a just-opened oyster, it is recommended first to smell it to ensure that it smells like fresh salty water, “instantly transporting you to the sea,” with no foul unpleasant smells (Bon Appetit). Traditionally, oysters will be served with lemon wedges, and it is suggested to squeeze some fresh lemon juice on the meat of the oyster for the purpose of enhancing the flavor of the product. It is also a good idea to try the oyster without the lemon to taste the difference and find a preference. The shell of the oyster serves as a natural spoon from which it is eaten. Using the shell, slurp the meat of the oyster together with some of the salty water remaining in the shell, and chew the meat several times to release the taste. Some oysters will taste sweet, others will be briny, and some will be vegetal (Sadler House Publications 4). Repeat the steps as many times as desired, within reason.
References
Bon Appetit. (2013). How to eat (and taste) an oyster. Web.
Floyd, C. (2019). How oysters went from cheap snack to luxury dish and why they’re so expensive now. Business Insider. Web.
Jacobsen, R. (2008). A geography of oysters: The connoisseur’s guide to oyster eating in North America. Bloomsbury.
Sadler House Publications. (2020). Ode to oysters: Tasting reviews: Log book for eating oysters and tracking favorites. Sadler House Publications.
Schiessl, C. (2018). How to eat oysters like a pro. Forbes. Web.