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OYSTER TASTING 101

OYSTER TASTING 101

Whether you’re an oyster pro or you’re just discovering this must-try delicacy, we’ve got the tasting tips and advice for you:

GET EXPERT ADVICE FROM YOUR IGA FISHMONGER

top by the fish counter for expert advice and sample our range of oyster varieties from across Canada, including from Quebec and the Maritimes. All of our oyster products are recommended by Ocean Wise.

PICK THE PERFECT OYSTER EVERY TIME WITH OUR TASTE TAGS!

PHaving a hard time picking out your oysters? Never hesitate at the fish counter again! Choose the flavours you love in a flash with the detailed descriptions on the tags. Select your favourite oysters based on flavour and texture. We’ve classified the oysters based on the size and flavour of the flesh, which is a great way to find your favourites.

Need a little help? Ask your IGA fishmonger to recommend tags to match your taste!

SHUCKING: THE RIGHT TECHNIQUE AND TOOLS

Not many people enjoy this step, as they don’t know how to shuck oysters safely. Here are the steps to follow so you can enjoy your oysters in no time.

  • Wash and scrub your oysters right before shucking them.
  • Working over a flat surface, place a folded tea towel in the palm of your hand and hold the oyster securely in place. This offers a better grip while protecting your hands from injury.
  • Insert the tip of a knife into the oyster’s hinge (pointed side). Make sure to keep your thumb on the shell to avoid injuring yourself with the knife.
  • Gently twist the edge of the knife to pry the oyster open.
  • Sever the muscle holding the oyster in place by sliding the knife tip along the shell. Be careful not to pierce the oyster so it remains nice and juicy.
SHUCKING: THE RIGHT TECHNIQUE AND TOOLS

Ideally, shuck oysters approximately 15 minutes before eating them, and never more than 2 hours. If they’re shucked too far in advance, they’ll lose on flavour and freshness.

How to choose and open your oysters

STORING OYSTERS: OYSTER FOOD SAFETY

  • Ideally, you should eat oysters within 24 hours of buying them. Otherwise, keep them in their original packaging on the bottom shelf of your fridge, and cover with a damp towel so they don’t dry up. If stored adequately, oysters keep up to six weeks from their picking date, indicated on the package.
  • Very important: do not store them in an airtight container, soak them in water, or expose them to temperature shock. This would spoil the oysters.
  • If properly stored, oysters have a lifespan of up to six weeks following the date of their harvest, which is indicated on the packaging.
  • If the oyster shell is open and doesn’t close when you tap on it, it means the oyster is dead and should not be eaten.
  • Once shucked, the oyster should be firm, plump, and floating in its own juices. If it smells foul, discard immediately.
STORING OYSTERS: OYSTER FOOD SAFETY

Your IGA seafood specialist can fill you in on where our oysters come from, their texture, and their nuanced flavour profiles. Try mixing it up according to the season!

PLAN YOUR OYSTER PARTY LIKE A PRO!

For a successful oyster party, offer various types of oysters, and make sure to set aside enough time to shuck and prep them before your guests arrive.

STORING OYSTERS: OYSTER FOOD SAFETY

HOW MANY OYSTERS SHOULD YOU HAVE ON DECK?

  • 6 to 8 oysters per person as an appetizer
  • 12 to 15 oysters per person as a main course with side dishes
  • 18 to 30 oysters per person as a main course with no side dishes

Offer your guests 2 to 3 varieties of oysters to choose from, making sure to include various sizes, origins, and flavours.

Eat varieties in order from least to most salty.

Raw oysters pair nicely with lemon, or with spicy Tabasco sauce, but you can also try them with chili sauce, salsa, vinegar, or wine, beer, and Champagne mignonettes . . . the possibilities are endless!

If you plan on serving them warm, make sure to keep a close eye on their cooking time, as they have a tendency to become rubbery when overcooked.

Geneviève Everell is preparing a mignonette sauce for the oyster season.

BUY IN STORE OR ORDER ONLINE 

Discover our wide variety of oysters, which you can buy individually, by the dozen, in a small case (12 to 26 oysters) or even in a case of 100 oysters or more.