Whether served raw with a squeeze of lemon, accompanied by shallot sauce or even natural, the oyster is undoubtedly one of the great stars of holiday meals. But a bad habit, although very widespread, can not only deprive you of its flavors, but also expose you to food poisoning. In an article from Yahoo News*, Dr Christian Recchia, specialist in health and nutrition, is indeed clear: not chewing oysters before swallowing them is a very bad idea.
Chew the oyster several times
When fresh, and therefore consumed, oysters are alive. If they are swallowed without being chewed, they continue to produce indigestible secretions. “When you take the oyster in your mouth, you have to chew it, crunch it, and then you swallow it. If you don’t chew it, it can continue to secrete secretions into your stomach through stress that are extremely indigestible for you. It is therefore important to chew it and kill it,” explains Dr. Christian Recchia to the media. Furthermore, each variety of oysters offers a unique aromatic palette. By chewing it, you release these aromas and can thus better appreciate its rich taste.
How to properly enjoy an oyster?
Start by removing the oyster from its shell with a fork or knife, then suck it gently. Take the time to chew it well to release its aromas and promote good digestion. To accompany its naturally salty taste, you can add a squeeze of lemon or a touch of vinegar. For amateurs, a turn of the pepper mill will perfectly enhance its flavors.
* This is what happens if you don’t bite the oysters before swallowing them
