Foodie tradition dictates only eating wild oysters in months with the letter “r” – from September to April – to avoid watery shellfish, or worse, a nasty bout of food poisoning. Now, a new study suggests people have been following this practice for at least 4,000 years.
“Essentially if you buy oysters that are grown in healthy waters and they're handled properly, then there's no problem with eating them any time of the year,” said Donald Meritt, an aquaculturist at the Horn Point Oyster Hatchery at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.
We can eat oysters all year round, with exceptions. Sydney rock oysters are generally at their peak from September to March. But nature can get in the way. High rainfall can wash undesirable nutrients into estuaries.
Just remember that more isn't always better — we'd encourage you to limit your oyster consumption to a maximum of one dozen oysters, two times per week. This will help you avoid any vitamin and mineral toxification risks.
Though they're available here year-round, oysters are in fact seasonal. You'll find different varieties are best at different times of the year. Sydney rock oysters tend to peak between August and March, and Pacifics between April and September.
Rule of thumb is at least 4,000 years old. Foodie tradition dictates only eating wild oysters in months with the letter “r” – from September to April – to avoid watery shellfish, or worse, a nasty bout of food poisoning. Now, a new study suggests people have been following this practice for at least 4,000 years.
There is an inaccurate myth that has been spread around over the years stating oysters are only safe to eat during months containing an "R". September- April is the range; these months encompass the colder times of the year; therefore, oysters will be safe to eat raw during the winter season.
Eating too many oysters on a regular basis can lead to negative health effects, including reduced levels of the minerals iron and copper, which zinc competes for absorption. In addition, people with seafood allergies should also avoid eating oysters.
If you have liver disease and happen to love raw oysters, you need to know about a life-threatening bacterium for those with liver disease. Thoroughly cooked oysters will not harm you, but if you eat them raw, you could become a statistic.
Yes! Oysters are a superfood that are packed with nutrients and minerals. This is based on their nutrition-to-calorie ratio, which is higher than most other seafood and even some fruits and vegetables. An average serving of oysters contains just under 30 calories but packs in a whopping 8 grams of protein.
Once opened, oysters will keep for up to 7 days in the fridge, but be aware: they will absorb any strong flavours (for example rock melon and onion tend to taint the flavour, no matter how well packed your oysters are). When buying live oysters, make sure the shells are firmly closed.
In Australia we are lucky to clean water in our seas and estuaries that result in some of the finest tasting oysters in the world, including the renowned Sydney Rock Oyster that is grown in estuaries along the coast of NSW.
Some pearl “farmers” will remove pearls from an oyster without killing them, keeping them alive to endure repeated insertions of foreign materials to continue making pearls. It is estimated that around a third to half of them are kept while the rest are killed.
There are reasons oyster lovers prefer not to eat oysters in warm-weather months. Oysters spawn in warm water and can be thin and watery. If you like your oysters plump and firm, maybe months with an “R” really are best. Warmer water can also cause harmful bacteria to grow.
Cover the oysters with a damp paper towel or damp cloth and place them in the fridge. They should keep for up to seven days like this, but it's best to eat them within a day or two.
Shelf Life
Shucked oysters will have a good-through date. If they go past this date, you'll want to discard them. Shucked oysters typically have a 10-14 day refrigerated shelf life upon receipt.
Oysters are also high in potassium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids which help reduce the overall risk of stroke and heart attack. They are also effective at lowering blood pressure.
Steamed Oysters
Steaming is also one of the healthiest ways to cook oysters, as it doesn't require olive oil or other ingredients that could add calories and fat.
Oysters also contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to help ward off any unwanted bacteria.
Summary. Oysters can be a healthy addition to your diet when consumed in moderation, so it is best to consume not more than six per day.
One especially serious concern is the risk of food poisoning from oysters. Since oysters are most frequently eaten raw, they are especially susceptible to passing on bacterial contamination. One type of bacteria found in oysters — Vibrio vulnificus — is linked to a serious illness - even fatalities.
They spawn from November to March, when they are gritty and inedible. Native oysters have fine textured meat and a distinctively salty flavour. SYDNEY ROCK OYSTERS are also native to Australia and have been farmed in Southern Australia for 130 years.
Based on that definition, there are some signs when an oyster has gone bad: The oyster is gaping open, which means it is weak or dead. The oyster is dry, which means it is weak, injured or dying. The oyster smells or tastes different from harvest.
Potentially life-threatening to most people, symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection occurs within 24 to 48 hours of ingestion and may include symptoms such as sudden chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shock and skin lesions.