Seasonal selection: Oysters
DID YOU KNOW?
- A member of the mollusk family, more than 400 species of oysters exist around
the world. - Oysters have the ability to change their gender. Most start out as male, turning
female as they age. - Oysters are rich in vitamins A, B2, B12 and C in addition to iron, zinc and copper.
- Oysters actually protect blood vessels and arteries by favoring "good" cholesterol,
or HDL. Oysters work to decrease the body's ability to absorb cholesterol from
other foods. - Native Americans are believed to be the originators of oyster stew.
- Oysters are a perfect hors d’oeuvre because their high salt content naturally
stimulates the digestive system.
AVAILABILITY AND SOURCING
- Hundreds of oyster varieties come from all over the world, although most of those edible
versions consumed in the United States are sourced from the Atlantic coast and the Pacific
Northwest. - A myth about oysters is that they are only good to eat in months containing the letter “R.” This
is because oysters spawn in the warmer months, from roughly May to August (months without
an “R”), which causes a less flavorful taste and texture. - Now, however, the best restaurants are able to source oysters from the coldest waters during
summer months, ensuring that the highest quality and best tasting oysters are available. And,
with the advent of refrigeration and overnight shipping, oysters can now stay fresh in the
period of time between harvest and consumption. Oysters are kept refrigerated during
transport and storage until they are ultimately consumed. All of these advancements ensure a
safer, fresher product, making it possible to eat oysters year round.
