Oysters are star guests at our festive tables. Raw, in tartare, gratinated, they are appreciated for their incomparable texture and their iodized taste. But before feasting, it is essential to check their freshness, because a spoiled oyster is often synonymous with dreaded food poisoning. Here are some simple but above all effective tips to ensure that your oysters are very fresh and ready to be consumed without risk.
Bang two oysters together
To check the freshness of an oyster before even opening it, here is a great tip. As restaurateur Éric Lorrain-Milukow reveals in an interview with Mordu on Radio-Canada: “The best thing is to bang two oysters together. You take one flat in the palm of your hand and you take the back of the other, the pointed end where you open it, and you knock on the oyster that is in your hand. If it makes a hollow sound and resonates a little, the oyster is either empty or dry inside, he explains. “A full, dull sound is a good sign, while a hollow sound reveals that the oyster is empty or unfit for consumption.
Check if the oyster is alive
A fresh oyster is still alive. To make sure, once opened, start by touching the edge of the oyster, the darkest part, called the mantle, with the tip of your knife. The oyster should contract slightly. For a double check, add a few drops of lemon. A live oyster reacts by shrinking slightly. If not, it is dead and should be thrown away.
The oyster must bathe in its water
A fresh oyster bathes naturally in its water. This water is transparent, slightly salty and smells of the sea. If the oyster seems dry or dried out, it is a bad sign and in this case, it is better not to take any risks and throw it away.
Pay attention to the appearance and smell
For this last step, you must check three specific points. First, the shell. A fresh oyster should be tightly closed and difficult to open. If it is ajar, tap it lightly. If it doesn’t close, it’s dead. Next, the flesh. The oyster should be shiny, pearly and moist. Finally, the smell. A fresh oyster gives off a slight iodine smell reminiscent of the sea. An unpleasant or too pronounced smell is a sign that it is no longer good.
* 9 ways to check if your oysters are fresh
