April 11, 2019 4 min read 4 Comments
The oyster is no ordinary food.
Cultivated for over 2000 years, oysters have been prized for their tender, plump taste of the sea.
Mentioned in folklore and mythology, bivalves have been cultivated and relished
by enlightened individuals for centuries.
Some of us are avid collectors of antique oyster plates,
and all the beautiful antique culinary accessories that go along with serving oysters.
The oyster is an ancient species, it has evolved very little over the years.
Found in the tidal waters of every continent except Antartica. Only the Caspian Sea is oyster-less.
Once regarded as "poor fare" in the American Colonies because they were so abundant,
pollution, introduction of foreign oyster species and the consequences of the
Industrial Revolution almost wiped out our American Oyster beds.
But the oyster's reputation is experiencing a renaissance!
Sustainably grown along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts as well as in the Gulf of Mexico
North American oyster farmers are cultivating more and more oysters for our eating pleasure.
The oyster beds are not only flourishing for our dining delight,
farmers are seeking to keep their local waters clean.
Most oyster farmers are taking their stewardship of the environment very seriously.
Their beds help keep the tidal water cleaner, each oyster can filter 25 gallons of water per day!
Oysters are nutritious and delicious.
Now, oysters are a delicacy, and not in-expenisve.
Some call them the ambrosia of the gods.
Ready to serve and eat oysters?
Here are some Do's and Don'ts of how to eat them:
I love the antique oyster plates
and serving pieces!
To read the my Secret Life of Antiques post on OYSTER PLATES
click on the photo below
ARE YOU A OSTREAPHILE {LOVER OF OYSTERS}?
April 12, 2019
Tammy- I’m so there with you about eating them. I think you either love or loathe them! The plates, though, is something everyone can admire!
April 11, 2019
I must admit that oysters are not my favorite. I do want to like them as I have tried them in various ways, but alas, they allude me! However, I adore the plates and the silverware. I do not have any because I don’t eat them nor do I need to start collecting anything else lol! The struggle is very real. Blessings!
April 11, 2019
The Oyster Plates are exquisite Lidy. Had to chuckle about the way some choose to eat oysters. Frankly, I am not a fan either and never understood why people just swallow them whole. Thought the reason for enjoying food is to actually savor the flavors while chewing. JMO! As always thank you for the beauty you presented today and the education!!! I am always enlightened by your beautifully informative posts. Have a grand wat day Lidy!
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Theresa R Keller
January 14, 2020
Lidy,
I do love oysters and your plates are beautiful and your oyster information is a perfect tutorial. We have informal oyster roasts in the Fall in the South, outside with a open fire and lots of cold beer, wine and other appetizers…. lots of fun and you can go through several bushels in no time depending on how many people attend. :) As a child growing up in SC, the Rotary club would sponsor a oyster roast to thank all of the teachers in the county public schools…. it was held at the county fairgrounds. So much fun and my first oyster experience.
Thank you!
Theresa