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Oysters are mollusks, inhabitants of the seas. Critics around the world consider oysters ambiguous and one of the most unusual delicacies. It was influenced by a strange and not very pleasant appearance – the mollusks are slippery, similar to slime.
Oysters live in shallow waters in subtropical seas. The most pleasant depth of habitat is 60 meters.
Who started eating oysters? Many historians and culinary experts believe that the first mention of eating oysters appeared 2,000 years ago. The pioneer country was Rome.
They organized a large oyster fishery and even started exporting oysters. But not all countries were favorable to the use of oysters. England and France believed that this food was for the poorest and for a long time did not recognize the delicacy in the product.
The situation with the perception of oysters has changed a lot after their limitless capture. The population of mollusks began to decline. In the second half of the 19th century, oysters became expensive due to the difficulty of searching. It was at that time that everyone unanimously recognized them as a delicacy.
Chemical composition
Oyster is an edible mollusk with a rich vitamin and mineral composition. The product has a high nutritional value, which causes an unusual taste. Oysters contain proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, but mostly consist of water.
Oyster is a low-calorie product (100 grams – 72 kcal). Among the most common minerals, experts distinguish calcium, iodine, phosphorus, zinc, and copper.
A significant element contained in oysters is Omega 3. It is a fatty acid that can tone the work of the whole body. Oysters contain other fats – ceramides. They help fight breast cancer. Also, raw oysters contain amino acids that increase sexual activity and activate the brain.
Beneficial properties
Due to their rich composition, oysters have a positive effect on the human body in various aspects.
- A source of vitamins. The human body is not able to fill the need for vitamins by itself. Oysters also saturate a person with vitamin B12, as well as a significant amount of vitamin C.
- A source of energy. Oysters help to cope with a lack of strength, weakness, and a low level of efficiency.
- Stress reliever. Oysters, due to their high content of vitamins and amino acids, help to relax. They also help to reduce the level of internal stress.
- A retarder of cognitive impairment. Oysters are seafood. They contain a large amount of phosphorus, which improves brain function. Oysters also prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
- Visual acuity improver. Substances contained in oysters can prevent the development of cataracts and strengthen the structure of the eye.
- A protector against parasites. Oysters can prevent the development of parasites and infections in the body. In large quantities, they act as antiseptics.
- Testosterone synthesizer. Oysters, due to their high zinc content, help the male body produce testosterone and have a positive effect on potency.
- Nails and skin improver. Thanks to vitamin B, oysters help the body to form a healthy hairline and a strong nail plate.
Possible contraindications
Like all products, shellfish may be contraindicated for some categories of people. There is a list of diseases in which you should give up eating oysters in large quantities:
- Gout. Oysters are rich in high protein content, which is harmful to this disease. Protein compounds in the body turn into uric acid. It deposits in the joints and destroys them.
- Allergic reactions. Oysters are quite an allergenic product. Allergy to shellfish can manifest itself acutely, even in the form of anaphylactic shock.
- Hyperfunction of the thyroid gland. Oysters contain a lot of iodine. Exceeding the concentration of this substance in the body can negatively affect the thyroid gland and disrupt its work.
- Chronic protein intolerance. Seafood contains high protein content, some organisms do not accept protein in its natural form.
Oysters can also contain mercury compounds due to the high level of water pollution. Eating seafood with mercury can threaten you with the development of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depressive states, and disorders of the neurological system. Shellfish can also contain harmful bacteria that can poison your body. Most gourmets eat raw oysters, which increases the risk of infection.
How long do you bake canned oysters?
For cooking, professional chefs use not only raw but also canned oysters. To cook them properly: take a baking dish, spread it with butter, and put the oysters there. Make the sauce to taste and put it to bake.
The most optimal cooking time for canned oysters in 45 minutes. You will immediately realize that the oysters are ready – they will become crispy. It is significant to understand that you can eat oysters both canned and raw.
How do you serve oysters without a shell?
The classical way to serve oysters is in your shell. In luxurious restaurants, the serving option is always about the same – a high dish with oysters and lemon slices. After all, the taste of oysters reveals better from citric acid. But at home, you can serve oysters without a shell.
Open the oysters, clean them of sand and dirt. Wash the product under cold water. To open the oysters, use a knife. In some stores, you can buy special oyster knives. Place the knife in the hole of the sink and scroll several times. The sink will open.
Place oysters without a shell on a beautiful dish and put lemon slices on it.
What is the best way to cook oysters?
There are many ways to cook oysters. However, professional chefs highlight the best and most convenient of them. Use the grill. Cook the shells without the sinks. You need to follow step-by-step instructions:
- Rinse the oysters with cold water. Select only those sinks that are tightly closed.
- Open the oysters using a short and thick knife. Also, wear gloves. Otherwise, there is a chance to cut your hands badly. Place the knife in the corner of the junction of the two sinks and gently rotate 90 degrees.
- When the sink opens slightly, cut off the connecting film and remove the top of the sink. Next, separate the oyster from the bottom of the shell.
- Take a dish and fill it with ice. It is best to use fine ice. Put the oysters there. Slice the lemon and also spread it on a platter.
How do you cook fresh shelled oysters?
In restaurants, professional chefs do not cook oysters. They choose a suitable product, wash it, put it on a platter with ice, and put lemon slices.
However, you can cook fresh shelled oysters. You will need the following ingredients:
- oysters – 1 kg
- cheese – 50 g
- greens – a twig
- garlic
Step-by-step cooking instruction:
- Rinse the oysters with cold water. Use a knife to remove the top of the sink.
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.
- Make the oyster dressing. Spread the oysters with butter, sprinkle with dill and rub with garlic.
- Place the oysters on a baking sheet and place them in the oven. The baking time is only 10 minutes.
Do you need to wash oysters after shucking?
You should wash the oysters both before and after cleaning. Shells contain sand and seawater residues that should not enter your body. First, rinse the sinks thoroughly. Then remove the oysters from the shell and rinse thoroughly again under cold running water.
Is it worth cleaning oysters at all? Professional chefs advise making the process of cleaning shellfish mandatory. This way can protect you from germs.
Restaurants have special devices for heat treatment of sinks, which you do not have at home. Also, professional chefs advise not to eat untested oysters in raw form.
Are oysters alive when eaten?
If you eat oysters raw, then they will be alive. No restaurants carry out special processing of oysters and do not kill them. Many animal rights activists oppose the use of living organisms, but opinions are divided.
Many people believe that shellfish, like crayfish, do not experience pain at the same time.
Can you eat oysters straight from the sea?
Experts do not recommend eating oysters directly from the sea. During the first three days, they contain too much sea salt. In total, after catching oysters, they remain suitable for about ten days.
If you wait three days after catching oysters from the sea, they will have a pleasantly balanced taste.
Baked oysters in ramekins
You can easily cook oysters in molds. To do this, prepare the following ingredients:
- oysters — 1 kilo
- hard cheese – 50 grams
- dill – 1 bunch
- butter – 50 grams
- garlic – 2 cloves
- salt – to taste
Step-by-step cooking technology:
- Defrost the oysters and rinse them well with water.
- Take cheese, dill, butter, garlic, and salt. Mix with a blender.
- Lubricate the oysters with this mass.
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Place the oysters there on a baking sheet. Bake for only 15 minutes.
Baking Oysters Without Shell
Another great recipe is baked oysters with cheese. Prepare the following ingredients:
- oysters – 24 pieces
- butter – 50 grams
- salt – 1 teaspoon
- hard cheese – 100 grams
- lemon juice
- onion – 2 pieces
- garlic – 1 clove
- bread – 400 grams
- greens
- ground pepper
Step-by-step cooking technology:
- Rinse the oysters with cold water. Clean the sinks with a brush and rinse again. Dry the sinks.
- Separate the top of the sink, leaving only the bottom.
- Grate the cheese on a coarse grater.
- Melt the butter in a frying pan, add the onion and fry until golden brown.
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
- Make a mixture of butter, fried onions, herbs, and diced bread. Spread the oysters with the resulting mixture. Sprinkle the oysters with grated cheese.
- Sprinkle a baking sheet with salt and place the oysters there. Place in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.
Baked oysters with parmesan cheese
As a hard cheese for baking oysters, you can use parmesan. Among other properties, this cheese melts well from the effects of temperature. To cook oysters with parmesan, sprinkle the top of the shell and put it in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
As a hard cheese for baking oysters, you can use parmesan. Among other properties, this cheese melts well from the effects of temperature. To cook oysters with parmesan, sprinkle the top of the shell and put it in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
Baked oysters in a muffin pan
You can bake oysters with a muffin pan. To do this, prepare the following ingredients:
- salt – 2 cups
- oysters
- butter – 8 tablespoons
- breadcrumbs
- green onion
- lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
- lemon zest – 1 teaspoon
- paprika
- greens (for decoration)
- lemon (for serving)
Step-by-step cooking technology:
- Prepare a muffin pan. To do this, sprinkle it with coarse salt.
- Wash the clams with a brush and cold water.
- Carefully separate the oyster shells. Leave only the upper part.
- Melt four tablespoons of oil in a frying pan. Add breadcrumbs there. Stir until the butter turns golden.
- Mix 4 tablespoons of butter, herbs, and lemon zest in a bowl.
- Combine all the mixtures and mix well again. Put the mixture on the oysters.
- Place the oysters in the muffin pan and bake for about 10 minutes at a temperature of 200 degrees.
How to cook oysters without the shell on the stove
You can easily cook oysters without the shell on the stove. Put the pan on the stove and heat it. Add oil to the pan. Wash the oysters, peel them and carefully open the shells with a knife.
Make any layout and dip the oysters in there. Fry on the open side without the shell until golden brown.
Verdict
Oysters are a modern delicacy. You can cook them at home in a shell or without it. Shellfish are rich in vitamins and minerals, so they will be an excellent addition to your diet.
Professional chefs suggest not to use them in the first three days after the catch from the sea and not to eat raw. Add lemon juice to oysters, make various spicy fillings and cook seafood in the oven or a frying pan!