In this edition of Luxurious Food let us take a look at a popular seafood delicacy that can be served raw or cooked. Not so much loved by all but definitely appreciated by many people, we are diving into the ocean to look for not only pearls but to understand how oysters got their status in the food world.
What are oysters?
Oysters are a type of shellfish comparable to that of a scallop or mussel in the sense that it has two shells. This shellfish has been enjoyed for so long, you can trace its history to the Roman Empire and the Middle Ages. They were first cultivated by the Chinese, Greeks, and Romans over 2000 years ago and quickly became a delicacy. However, in the 19th century, oyster farms were doing so well and the demand was high that it became a common food enjoyed by many. It’s high in nutrients, low in fat, high in protein and was affordable to the general public. As time went by and as waters became polluted and many different types of diseases came about, oyster farms shut down and the demand also died down eventually. Fast forward to now and oysters have reached luxury status once again. However, the way of farming oysters has changed and although it is seen in more restaurants the demand is still not the same as it once was.
How are they farmed and where do they come from?
Oysters are known as filter feeders which means they remove algae, clean the water and feed on plankton. There are two ways to grow oysters: bottom culture and off-bottom culture. Bottom culture entails that the oysters grow on the seafloor. Although this method simulates an oyster’s natural habitat and also produces stronger shells, oysters tend to not always survive in this method of farming. Off-bottom culture involves letting the oysters grow in cages or bags, or on racks and trays in open water. When it comes to oysters producing pearls, not all species of oysters can produce them. The pearls are essentially calcium carbonate balls that are naturally made by the oyster, usually brought on by an irritant or debris. In order for the oyster to protect itself, it keeps releasing calcium carbonate which then coats the pearl over and over again which makes it grow in size. Oysters can also be grown in tanks wherein the water, temperature, and amount of food affects the oyster’s growth and spawn. Many countries produce oysters but some of the key players in oyster production in the last few years are China, Japan, USA, Ireland, UK and a few other countries.
What are the types of oysters?
There are many types of oysters that come from all over the world which means they vary in size, taste, and other characteristics. Here’s a quick rundown on some of the different types.
