Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Types Of Oysters







Oysters are served all over the country. Some are served cooked, while others are served raw. There are five main types of oysters used in the United States. Next time you are eating oysters, you can know more about that kind.


Kumamoto


Kumamoto oysters are similar to Pacific oysters. However, they live in warmer water and stay sweeter longer. They are known by their shell, which is shaped like a bowl.


Pacific


The Environmental Defense Fund says, "The Pacific oyster is now the most commonly farmed shellfish both in the United States and worldwide." It has a distinct flute-shaped shell.








Olympia


The Olympia oyster is the only oyster that has its origins from the West in the US. It is also one of the smaller oysters. It is only about the size of a quarter.


Atlantic


Bluepoints, Wellfleets, Malpeques and Beausoleils are all Atlantic oysters. A majority of the oysters harvested in the United States are Atlantic oysters.


European Flats


The European Flats oysters are distinct with their flat, smooth shell. They have a meatier taste than the other oysters and have a strong seaweed flavor.

Tags: United States, Atlantic oysters, European Flats