Oyster Myths, BUSTED!

Are oyster myths and rules true or are they just an old wive’s tale? As oyster farmers, we strive to uncover the truths behind these age-old beliefs and regulations to ensure that only the most accurate information guides our practices.

NEVER eat an oyster without an “r” in the month…

For a long time, it was smart to avoid wild oysters in summer when they spawn due to the risk of spoiling and the need for refrigeration. Thanks to the introduction of new oyster types that do not spawn during the summer months, we can now enjoy tasty oysters without the concerns of refrigeration. Utilizing modern technology, we are able to rapidly cool the harvested oysters to prevent spoilage under the heat of the sun.

the bigger the oyster, the better

Well, it depends! It’s totally understandable why most think this, more bang for your buck, right?! Not necessarily… There’s so many factors that contribute to a good tasting oyster; Weather conditions, water conditions, farming technique, and FRESHNESS! There’s so many different tasting oysters, we are just trying to produce a good tasting one!

Only have oysters if you’re in the mood

It’s a pretty big misconception that oysters are considered an aphrodisiac. People believe that it stems from the significant amount of zinc an oyster provides, which boosts testosterone levels. With that said… Scientists say no, there’s no evidence! So whatever mood they put you in, hopefully it’s a full & happy one.

Have anymore myths that need to be busted?! Let us know!!

Benefits of North Carolina Oyster Farming

The sun-kissed coastal areas of North Carolina are more than just a beautiful vacation spot. They are prime locations for the thriving economy of oyster farming. Sustainable aquaculture via oyster farming in North Carolina offers a wide variety of benefits.

What is Oyster Farming?

Oyster farming can also be known as oyster aquaculture, and is the cultivation of oysters for commercial purposes. While some traditional harvesting methods rely on natural oyster beds, oyster farming is done by carefully managed processes and planning to foster the perfect growth and harvest. In North Carolina, this industry has gained traction due to the fact that the state’s coastal conditions are the perfect environment and the rising demand of premium shellfish.

It Starts With Spat

Oyster farming relies on regimented cultivation practices that all have a humble beginning starting with oyster larvae, often referred to as spat. The process starts with the collection of spat, typically at a hatchery. These tiny baby oysters are then nurtured in controlled environments where they grow and thrive. Over time with the right care and strategic management, spat can grow into mature and ready-to-harvest Stump Sound Oysters with succulent meat and distinct flavor profiles.

Oysters are Environmental Stewards of the Sea

It’s no surprise that oysters are extremely delicious, but they also play a vital role as a type of ecological custodian. Oysters enhance the health of North Carolina’s coastal ecosystems. Since oysters are filter feeders, they actively purify the waters they live in getting rid of pollutants and sediment. In North Carolina estuaries, these bivalves are nature’s filtration system and they help promote water clarity. Oyster farms also provide a vital habitat for many different types of marine species to foster biodiversity and help stabilize the ecosystem.

Economic Impact of Oyster Farming

A benefit that might not come to mind right away is the fact that oyster farming helps create jobs and bolsters local communities around North Carolina’s coastal regions. Hatcheries, farms, and restaurants make up a portion of the oyster farming industry and each of these areas offers employment opportunities. 

This ripple effect spans beyond direct employment at oyster farms and hatcheries, sectors like transportation, hospitality, sport fishing, and tourism also benefit from this industry’s growth. Oyster farming provides sustainable livelihoods and helps stimulate economic activity in the communities nearby.

The World is Your Oyster

Oyster farming in North Carolina really shines as a way of sustainability, prosperity, and environmental responsibility. The journey that oysters go on from spat to adult oysters playing a large role in ecosystem enrichment blends tradition and innovation with oyster farming. 

Everything You Need to Know About Oysters

Like many people, you might be curious to know more about oysters. We’re here to help answer some questions and help you gain more knowledge on these amazing bivalves. From cleaning to cooking methods we’ll discuss answers to some of the most common questions about oysters.

How do you clean oysters? 

Cleaning an oyster might seem like an intimidating task, but as long as you have the right technique it’s pretty easy. You can start off by rinsing your oysters under some cold water to remove any dirt or lingering debris. Then you’ll want to use a stiff wire brush to scrub the shell very gently to clean off any of the remaining grit and sand. Once you’re done cleaning the oyster, you’ll want to make sure you have a towel and a shucking knife to open it.

Do you chew an oyster when you eat it? 

If you enjoy oysters, then you know that they are meant to be savored completely while being eaten. You might hear some people talk about swallowing an oyster, but chewing helps enhance the flavor profile. It’s recommended to take a sip of the liquor and then chew the oyster, not only does this bring out more of the flavor, but it is also a way to help avoid choking on too big a morsel to eat. 

How do you cook an oyster?

If eating raw oysters isn’t your speed, there are many ways to prepare oysters and cook them. You have options to grill, broil, or bake them. For a basic classic preparation, try grilling or broiling them with a drizzle of garlic butter or a splash of hot sauce. If you prefer baking oysters with more ingredients, you can try topping them with breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese for a decadent finish. For some tried-and-true recipes, check out some of our favorites here. 

Where can I get oysters near me?

If you’re craving fresh oysters, make sure you are shopping with reputable local vendors. At Soundside Oyster Company, we pride ourselves on cultivating high-quality North Carolina oysters sourced directly from the pristine estuaries of Stump Sound. Our commitment to quality and sustainability means you can trust that you’re getting the freshest oysters available. Check out our selection and place your order here. 

What do oysters eat?

Oysters are filter feeders, which means that they gain their nutrients from the water around them. Their primary diet is phytoplankton and other very small microscopic organisms which they filter through their gills. Not only are the oysters getting nutrition, but they are also cleaning the water around them.

There is so much that we can learn about these amazing bivalves. We hope that you’ve enjoyed this article and that you’ve gained some insight into oysters and the wonderful roles they play as a culinary delicacy and an amazing part of marine ecosystems. 

How Do Oysters Grow?

Oysters go on quite the journey from microscopic larvae to the amazing delicacies enjoyed by seafood enthusiasts all over the world. Even though their beginnings are humble, these bivalves undergo a huge transformation gradually forming shells and developing unique flavors and textures exclusive to the regions they grow in.

It Starts With Spat

Every oyster’s life will start as microscopic larvae that we call “spat”.These tiny creatures can be barely visible to the naked eye. They typically drift along the ocean currents until they find an ideal type of substrate to settle on. Emphasizing sustainability, we procure our spat from local sources, ensuring responsible stewardship of our marine resources.

How the Shell Forms

After the spat settles onto a suitable surface, spat start the process of forming their unique and beautiful shells. Through secretion of calcium carbonate, they gradually construct a protective shell in a process known as “calcification.” Believe it or not, oysters do not shed their shells; instead, they get larger as they grow. Although the average growth rate varies based on environmental factors and the type of nutrients in the surrounding waters, it typically averages about an inch per year. Oftentimes the oysters that you see at restaurants and in seafood markets are around 1 year old. 

Feeding and Development

Mature oysters filter a significant amount of water, up to 50 gallons per oyster per day. Through filtering, they receive their nutrients and microscopic algae to help fuel their growth. This feeding process helps keep the oysters nourished but it’s also great for improving water quality. Oysters are undoubtedly a large part of our ecosystem. Because of all the hard work they do, they help keep the waters they’re in cleaner. Reproduction of oysters typically occurs between one and three years of age. 

From Tide to Table

Here at Soundside Oyster Company, we always prioritize the optimal growth and treatment of every oyster, we utilize state-of-the-art Low Country Cages. It all starts with how we nurture our spat ensuring they are growing in the most optimum conditions and precise care. We also take great pride in hand-selecting each oyster by our dedicated farmers to ensure that only the finest bivalves make it from our farm to your table. Each oyster is sorted and prepared by hand, guaranteeing the highest quality Stump Sound oysters in North Carolina.

The growth of oysters is really an intricate process that is heavily dependent on nature and the diligence of those who steward and sustain its resources. We hope you’ve enjoyed the journey from tide to table and learning about how oysters grow. To learn more about the varieties we farm click here. 

Green Gill Oysters: Where Does The Color Come From?

There is a wide variety of delicacies when it comes to seafood. However, few are as unique as Green Gill Oysters. These bivalves feature a distinct color and a rich almost mushroom-like flavor. These oysters have captured the attention of seafood lovers and culinary enthusiasts around the world. In this article we’ll discuss how these decadent morsels get their vibrant green gills.

Origins of Green Gills

In order to produce the bright green hue in their gills, these oysters grow in select coastal waters, where the conditions have to be just right for their unique development. According to a recent article by Rachael Manasseh, a Center for Environmental Farming Systems Intern in 2022, these oysters call home in areas such as the Marennes-Oléron region of France and right here in the sounds and reefs of Eastern North Carolina. It’s in these specific locations that Green Gill Oysters can thrive in the nutrient-rich waters. 

The Color

It’s easy to pick out Green Gill Oysters from other types due to the vibrant green hue that adorns their gills. This color is a direct result of the oysters and their diet. One particular algae species, Haslea Ostrearia, holds the key to this change in color. This algae thrives in colder waters and produces a pigment that is known as “marennine”. As the oysters filter water with the algae in it, their gills take on the beautifully unique and distinctive blue-green color.

In Demand Delights

The thought of green seafood may have posed a challenge for some people to accept in the past. Now however, innovative chefs and seafood lovers are really championing Green Gill Oysters. These oysters have become a sought-after delicacy in North Carolina. Restaurants have done an amazing job presenting these bivalves and enhancing their unique and delicious flavor profile. You’ll find Green Gill Oysters in seafood towers, grilled, broiled, baked or even raw on the half-shell. They are sure to be delicious to no matter how you have them. 

Seasonal and Sensational

Green Gill Oysters are a seasonal delicacy. These oysters are best savored during the witner and sprin months. As waters become warmer it is a little more difficult to find them and they become less abundant due to their lack of hue-producing food sources. To experience Green Gill Oysters, please make sure to reach out to us here to discuss when the best time to order is.

There are few things that compare to the unique and delicious flavors that Green Gill Oysters offer. These bi-valves have added an exclusive allure to enjoying oysters by offering a seasonal option loved by many. We are lucky enough to live and cultivate in a region where we have a chance to harvest these beautiful bi-valves for you to enjoy. 

References: Manasseh, Rachael. "Get to Know Green Gill Oysters." Locals Seafood, Dec 12, 2022.{https://localsseafood.com/blog/get-to-know-green-gill-oysters/#:~:text=Another%20prime%20spot%2C%20perhaps%20surprisingly,green%20coloration%20of%20oyster%20gills.}

Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Oysters

We might be a little biased, but we think oysters are some of the most amazing animals in the world. They have an extremely unique biology,a rich cultural history, and are so incredibly beneficial to the environment. Here are some amazing facts that you probably didn’t know about oysters.

1. Oyster Filters: Did you know that oysters are hard at work daily filtering up to 50 gallons of water? They play a vital role in helping to maintain water quality and overall ecosystem health.

2. A Delicacy: Oysters have been enjoyed as a delicacy for thousands of years. There is archaeological evidence that suggests humans have been eating oysters since at least 164,00 years ago. This historical data makes them one of the oldest known foods to be enjoyed by our ancestors.

3. Pearls: While not every oyster produces pearls, those that do go through a process of irritation and calcification. Cultured pearls are formed with human intervention and have been created since the late 19th century. 

4. Pint-Sized Environmental Protectors: Oyster reefs can provide a safe habitat for a wide variety of marine life like fish, crabs, and other shellfish. By raising awareness to protect and restore oyster habitats, we can help support biodiversity and promote healthy thriving coastal ecosystems. 

5. Nutritional Powerhouse: Oysters are as delicious as they are loaded with nutrients. They are a wonderful source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids that make them a great addition to any diet.

6. Oyster Farming: Oyster farming can also be referred to as aquaculture, has been practiced for centuries. Today we use sustainable oyster farming methods to help meet the growing demand for our bivalves while being mindful and minimizing environmental impact.

7. Variety: There are hundreds of varieties of oysters from all around the world. Regionally you may find a select few near you that you can enjoy. Each oyster has its own unique flavor profile and visual characteristics. You’ll find flavors that are briny, salty, and even sweet or buttery! There’s an oyster for every palate, and we think they’re all amazing.

8. Oyster Etiquette: Did you know there’s a proper way to eat an oyster? Traditionally you’ll see many people enjoy raw oysters with a squeeze of lemon or a splash of a mignonette sauce. It’s highly recommended to taste a bit of the liquor before you enjoy the oyster to experience its full range of flavors and textures.

9. Oyster Lore: Oysters have been the inspiration for many myths, legends, and superstitions throughout history. In medieval Europe, they were associated with being wealthy and prosperous.

Oysters are so much more than meets the eye, they are environmental heroes and prestigious culinary delights. As we continue to cultivate and grow these remarkable creatures, we understand the responsibility we have to ensure the long-term health and viability of oyster populations. By supporting sustainable oyster farming practices at Soundside Oyster Company, we are always advocating for ocean conservation so that people can enjoy these incredible bivalves for generations to come.

Click here to contact us to place an order.

Oysters 101: Selecting, Shucking, and Serving

Oysters are briny bivalves that are far more than just a sophisticated appetizer. They are a unique flavor journey with texture and cultural significance. This guide was written to help you gain the knowledge to navigate selecting, shucking, and serving oysters with confidence. 

Anatomy of an Oyster:

The best way to understand how to select an oyster is to understand what it is exactly. An oyster has two main parts:

• Mantle: This is the fleshy muscle, or the part that you eat. As a whole the mantle along with the other internal organs (gills, stomach, digestive system, etc.) is responsible for filtering water and contains the parts that help the oyster feed.

• The shell is the protective outer layer that’s made of calcium carbonate and can come in various shapes and colors depending on the species. Oysters are often called bivalves because their shell is made of two separate parts called valves.

What is Oyster Liquor?

Oyster liquor is a liquid treasure, it’s the clear liquid that is found inside of the oyster. This “liquor” is a concentrated essence made of sea water and some of the oyster’s own juices. Quite a few seafood connoisseurs will usually sip the oyster liquore before actually eating it. 

How to Select Fresh Oysters

Live oysters are a must, look for these typical signs of freshness:

• TIghtly Closed Shells: make sure you’re selecting oysters that are firmly shut. Immediately pass on oysters that are popped open and do not close if disturbed.

• Fishy Odors: oysters should smell like the ocean, not like ammonia or other foul odors.

• Kept Cold: when you’re holding the oyster it should feel cold as ice.

• Healthy Overall Appearance: avoid oysters that have broken or damaged areas on the shell. The meat should be plump and opaque as well.

How to Store Your Oysters

It’s recommended to store your oysters in the refrigerator, place a damp towel over them and keep them cold. Once they are prepared they should be consumed immediately. Be sure to avoid submerging your oysters in water. Remember that they are saltwater animals and that the freshwater would cause them to die and go bad.

Shucking 101

Equipment needed:

• Oyster Knife (with a blunt tip for safety)

• Thick gloves

• Kitchen towel

Steps:

1. Hold the oyster flat-side down with the hinge facing you.

2. Insert the tip of the knife into the hinge’s point.

3. Gently twist the knife, severing that adductor muscle.

4. Very carefully pry open the shell, while trying not to spell the liquor.

And in just four simple, steps you’re well on your way to serving up one of the most delicious and nutritious sources of protein the ocean has to offer.

How to Serve Oysters: Raw and Beyond

A purist approach would be the most simple but still very delicious way to serve oysters. This includes having the oysters raw accompanied by using a fresh squeeze of lemon.

Maybe a bit of mignonette would suit your tastes. A mignonette is a combination of finely minced shallots, red wine vinegar, and fresh cracked black pepper. This combination was created to enhance the oyster’s own natural brininess. 

Another way to enjoy oysters is by adding other garnishes like horseradish, chopped chives, or even a splash of hot sauce if you enjoy a bit of spice. 

Creative Cooking with Oysters

Going beyond eating them raw there are many different ways to have oysters cooked:

• Grilled: oysters can be topped with a variety of items like cheese, herbs, or breadcrumbs and then grilled. 

• Oyster Rockefeller: This is an iconic dish from New Orleans that bakes oysters in a creamy spinach sauce.

• Oyster Stew: Cooking oysters in a hearty stew with a combination of potatoes, onions, and cream is the perfect way to warm up on a cold day.

You know more about oysters now than you did when you first started reading this article.

If you’re ready to try your hand at selecting, shucking, and savoring all of the unique flavors oysters have to offer, contact us here.