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
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,