With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, now’s a good a time as any to talk a little bit about these scrumptious aphrodisiacs.
So what do we know about oysters? We know they’re supposed to increase sexual appetite and prowess, they’ve been compared to lady parts, and there’s also the famous legend associated with Cassanova, who was rumoured to be the greatest lover to have ever lived (thanks to the 50 oysters that he would consume for breakfast every day). While all those facts are entertaining, there is much more to these salty delicacies of the sea.
“Firm, fruity, sweet and briny… it must be a Kumamoto!”
Oyster Enthusiasts
There is a real connoisseurship that goes along with enjoying oysters. A special breed of diner has popped up in recent years, whose dining pleasure is derived from being able to differentiate different types of oysters in the same way that a wine aficionado might try to distinguish different vintages and terroir elements of their wine. For oyster enthusiasts, there are key differences to be appreciated when trying Witch Ducks, Olympias or Ruby Salt oysters.
If you notice someone out for dinner eating oysters and throwing out words like “plump,” “creamy,” “cucumber,” and “copper” to describe their dish, then you’ve probably spotted a serious shellfish lover.
The Farmed vs. Wild Debate
When you hear the term ‘Fish Farms’, you can’t help but turn up your nose a little bit. The process of aquaculture can be a less than desirable option to raise sea creatures bound for your dinner plate, but this is where oysters are one of the exceptions to the rule.
Once an abundant food source thought of as peasant food, culinary trends and pollution have decimated wild oysters, making the threat of extinction a very real issue. Due to pollutants like carbon emissions that are absorbed by the ocean, the ph levels in the water effectively deteriorate shellfish’s outer layer. This term is known as ‘Ocean Acidification’ and is quickly becoming a worrisome topic for scientists.
While many suppliers have turned to oyster farms, there is good news. Unlike fish farms, oysters don’t require nourishment, nor do they create any waste; both key issues with aquaculture. Oysters propagate very quickly in healthy waters, making them a responsible seafood choice.
Because oysters are considered to be the filters of the ocean, there is talk amongst certain environmental groups about using them to clean up the waterways around New York. The same environmentalists estimate that planting oyster beds around NY harbours would restore water cleanliness by 2050 to the extent that that people could actually harvest and consume oysters from that very water source.
Are Oysters Really That Sexy?
Beyond all the weird and wacky myths, oysters are actually considered to have properties that enhance your sexual mojo. Thanks to hard to get amino acids and zinc, oysters do increase your sex drive in part by increasing blood flow and releasing dopamine.
What is The Best Way to Eat Raw Oysters?
Chef Andrew Tsang from Calgary’s Big Fish Restaurant gave us his two cents on the best way to enjoy raw oysters. We figured that anyone who can shuck 160 dozen oysters in one sitting is probably an expert on the subject. According to Andrew, the simpler the better. Sticking with good old-fashioned ground black pepper, lemon and horseradish will serve you well. If you’re looking for a great pairing, order your oysters with a shot of tequila or vodka. If you’re looking to spice it up, ask for a little wasabi.
Big Fish has oyster night on Mondays, offering two-dozen oysters for the price of one. Use the opportunity to enjoy the sexiest seafood going and to share some of your new-found trivia.
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
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