Oysters are a controversial treat. Advertised by connoisseurs, it is considered a strong aphrodisiac and a symbol of luxury. What's the beauty of them? And are they really as brilliant as they are described? And the most important question, how to eat them?
Oysters are marine shellfish that are an exquisite delicacy all over the world. It is a species of thread-eating mussels of the oystercatcher family. Simplified and translated into Polish, this means a Mussel enclosed in an uneven shell. It is found mainly in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and in the Mediterranean Sea. It lives at a depth of several meters near rocks near land. Edible oysters are considered the most valuable shellfish.
Because of the properties they have, they are worth the price, and they are worth quite a bit of money. The price for one piece can vary from 4 to 40 zlotys. They contain a lot of protein, zinc, vitamins and minerals. They are low in calories and lower cholesterol.
In Poland, you can find two varieties of oysters: edible oyster, which is smaller and round and big oyster elongated and irregular shape.
And now one of the (supposedly) most important properties is that oysters have long been recognized as an aphrodisiac. This belief dates back to ancient times, where it was considered a symbol of fertility and love. Modern science partially confirms these beliefs. Oysters are rich in zinc, a mineral necessary for the production of testosterone, which can affect libido in both men and women. In addition, they contain the amino acid D-aspartic acid, which can stimulate the secretion of sex hormones. Although these effects are not definitively confirmed, oysters remain a popular choice in romantic circumstances. However, it is worth remembering that in order to get any such effect, you must eat it raw.
How do I know if an oyster is fresh?
To make sure that the oyster is fresh, pay attention to a few key characteristics::
-
Smell: Fresh oysters should have a delicate sea smell. Avoid oysters that have an unpleasant, intense or "fishy" smell.
-
Seashell: It should be tightly closed. If the shell is open and does not close when you touch it, the oyster is dead and unfit for human consumption.
-
Appearance of meat: Fresh oyster meat is shiny, moist and slightly transparent. It should be immersed in a clear liquid called CSF, which is a sign of freshness.
-
Response to a touch: After opening, tap the oyster gently. A fresh oyster should respond with a slight muscle contraction.
-
Date of catch: If you buy packaged oysters, check the catch date or expiration date. Fresh oysters should be consumed within a few days of being caught.
-
Source: Buy oysters from reliable suppliers who take care of proper storage and transportation conditions.
How to get these goodies out of their shells?
Well, it's not that easy! Oysters should be opened with a special small knife. However, you need to be careful not to stick it in your hand, as such wounds can take up to 2 months to heal (!). It is also worth knowing that before opening the oyster, it is still alive and well ... very strong. You need to work hard to cut off the muscle with which he clings convulsively to the second wall of the shell.
What are the most commonly consumed forms of oysters?
Oysters are a delicate delicacy that can be eaten in many ways. Most often they are served raw, with the addition of lemon, vinaigrette or tabasco sauce. A popular way to serve is Rockefeller oysters baked with butter, spinach and parmesan cheese. Oysters can also be grilled, steamed, fried or baked in their shells with various additives. In Asian cuisine, you can find oysters marinated in soy sauce or tempura. No matter how they are prepared, oysters remain a sumptuous and valuable dish.
And you? Have you tried this treat yet? Let us know in the comments, we are curious!
Junior specialist in Marketing Communications and PR.
He is a graduate of the University of Warsaw and the Main School of Agriculture. We have been in the HoReCa industry for more than 10 years. For many years, he has been associated with the Trip group, Sobienie Royal Golf and Country Club, and the Florentin Restaurant in Warsaw.
She graduated from the Faculty of Architecture of the Warsaw Technical University with a degree in Architecture for the Knowledge Society and Visual Communications at the Polytechnic University of Milan. A specialist in creating a mood. She has gained experience at home and abroad at numerous international seminars (Seville, Lisbon, Florence), fellowships at La Sapienza (Rome), etc. m.in. in Carmi e Ubertis and ADM Milano.
A manager with many years of experience in the cosmetics, food, and children's industries. During his career, he was associated with such companies as: L'Oreal, Samsung, Danone-Nutricia, Unilever. During his professional life, he was responsible, among other things, for the development of e-commerce sales and content in Poland and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. 
