The Essentials
You don’t need to know everything to enjoy eating oysters, but this should get you started.
Five Types of Oysters
There are five types of oysters, but three you’ll most likely encounter without much effort: East Coast (Virginica), West Coast or Pacific (Giggas), and Kumamotos (also west coast). East coast oysters tend to be more firm, saltier, and larger. The West Coast oysters tend to be smaller, creamier, and more grassy or fruity than salty.
How Do I Know if it’s Bad?
A bad oyster usually means a rotten oyster, which is why it’s not a bad idea to smell them before popping one in your mouth. A rotten oyster smells horrible, and you’ll know it. Otherwise, it’s really just about quality and timeliness. A mangled oyster is not pretty, but still tasty, and a plump oyster getting ready to spawn may taste a bit creamier than usual. But none of those things mean it’s a bad oyster. But if it doesn’t look good, never hesitate to ask your server.
How do I eat them?
The liquid in an oyster is called liquor, and it’s a big part of the flavor, so don’t dump it out! After that, it’s all up to you. A little lemon will cut the salty flavor, but hot sauce will pretty much drown out the oysters. Cocktail Sauce and Mignonette are often served as well, and used sparingly can be a delicious addition. When tasting a new oyster though, I always slurp it naked first to get a taste of the thing.
Books on Oysters
If you only read three books about oysters, these are the ones to get. (Until my novel comes out that is.)
The Essential Oyster
When it comes to oysters here and now, nobody has been a bigger advocate than Rowan Jacobsen. Here’s part of the Amazon description of his newest book, and you can find it here:
“With lavish four-color photos throughout by renowned photographer David Malosh, The Essential Oyster is the definitive book for oyster-lovers everywhere, featuring stunning portraits, tasting notes, and backstories of all the top oysters, as well as recipes from America’s top oyster chefs and a guide to the best oyster bars.”
The Big Oyster
If you’re a New Yorker, this is a must read. But even if you’re not, the history of oysters from their origins among Native people to NYC street food and beyond is well worth a read. You can find it on Amazon here.
“Before New York City was the Big Apple, it could have been called the Big Oyster. Now award-winning author Mark Kurlansky tells the remarkable story of New York by following the trajectory of one of its most fascinating inhabitants–the oyster, whose influence on the great metropolis remains unparalleled.”
Consider The Oyster
When it comes to the romance, the lore, and the glory of Oysters, you can do no better than MFK Fisher’s Consider the Oyster. It’s the classic and timeless tale of the amazing bivalve, and while short, it contains so much wisdom, humor, and love that you won’t be able to put it down. Find it on Amazon here.
“Plumbing the “dreadful but exciting” life of the oyster, Fisher invites readers to share in the comforts and delights that this delicate edible evokes, and enchants us along the way with her characteristically wise and witty prose.”