It’s not just the availability but the quality of our oysters that make them so sought after. Albany rock oysters, which are unique to the Great Southern, and Akoya oysters are among the varieties that take pride of place on restaurant menus for good reason. Here are five things to ponder next time you savour their briny flavour.
They are bivalve molluscs
Oysters are part of the phylum Mollusca family, which also includes clams, oysters, mussels and scallops. There are about 15,000 species, freshwater and saltwater, but what they have in common is the bivalve, the two-part outer casing or shell connected by a hinge at the back that protects a soft-bodied invertebrate – the bit so many love to eat. Oysters filter water through gills to breathe and eat by filtering algae and plankton out of almost 200 litres of water a day. They are also partial to bacteria.
They have an interesting history
Oysters date back millions of years, though it wasn’t until the Stone Age when humans developed tools to pry them open that they were considered food. A luxury for both ancient Romans, who are credited with inventing oyster farming, and Greeks, whose goddess Aphrodite was said to be born in a giant oyster shell. Given how highly regarded they are now, it’s hard to believe that oysters were once so plentiful, they were regarded as peasant food in many countries. Their shells were even used to create mortar paste to build houses and other structures.
They are associated with desire
Oysters have long been regarded as an aphrodisiac, with Greek physician Galen prescribing them to remedy a lack of desire, and the notorious 18th century lothario Casanova reportedly eating them to boost his virility. While some more recent studies have linked some of their properties, including amino acid, serotonin and zinc, to increased testosterone and desire, there is no real evidence to back up the long-held belief. If you feel good when you eat them, it’s because they bring you pleasure.
They are good for you
While they may not improve your sex life, they are packed with vitamins and minerals that can help boost your immune system, strengthen your bones and ease rashes. The protein in oysters can also help manage weight, as they promote a feeling of fullness and regulate blood-sugar levels. Then there is the unique antioxidant known as DHMBA, with research indicating it may help reduce stress at the cellular level. Oysters are also rich in iron, which reduces fatigue and general muscle weakness. So many good reasons to eat them – in moderation, naturally.
They give plenty of food for thought
Oysters are such an intriguing creation that they could have their own category at a quiz night. Did you know, for example, that most start out as male but they can change their gender – and often do so more than once? Or that female oysters can release up to eight million eggs into the water to ensure their survival? Or that they have three hearts? And they contain alcohol? Let’s not forget they also produce one of world’s rarest gemstones. Less than one in every 10,000 wild oysters contain pearls, which are formed when a tiny grain of sand enters the shell. So much good material for your next trivia night.