Oyster, Eastern

Common Name:

Atlantic or Eastern oyster, cove oyster, American oyster

Product Information:

The Eastern oyster is known for its distinctive, salty flavor and meaty texture. Oyster meats, which are somewhat fatty, should be smooth with adequate liquor (store cup-side down to retain the liquor). Eastern oysters have a moderately deep, elongated, gray-white to gray-brown, rough, spoon-shaped shell with rose-colored streaks. Inside is a light-colored fringe (the gill) and creamy to light-brown meat. Cooked meat turns ivory.To test for live oysters, tap the shell; it should close. A sulfur odor indicates a dead oyster. The liquid in which fresh, shucked oysters are packed should be clear.

Cooking Tips:

Oysters are tender creatures. They should never be heated too quickly or too long. As soon as the mantle starts to curl, they’re done. For a classic presentation, try Oysters Rockefeller — broiled in their shells on pans of salt, topped with bacon, breadcrumbs, butter and scallions. Though oysters are often served on the halfshell, people in high-risk categories should avoid raw shellfish.

Cooking Methods: