Oysters take their name from their place of origin, with many varieties. In Canada, Caraquet oysters are well known; in France, Marenne and Arcachon; and in Spain, for example, Arcada oysters are the most popular. They are served fresh and can be eaten cold with a squeeze of lemon, seasoned in different ways, or cooked over an open flame with other ingredients. They are often accompanied by traditional local garnishes, and there are countless methods of cooking, presentation, and consumption, making this mollusk a spectacular dish.
Specialist farmers and merchants recommend checking the quality of Arcada oysters, which are usually selected during specific seasons, preferably in cooler months, never in summer.
Furthermore, the best way to select them is by choosing the heaviest ones that are tightly closed. You can also check if they contain water inside by giving a slight shake; if they open and a drop of lemon is added, they should close again—this indicates they are in perfect condition. To clean them, it is only recommended to rinse with salt water on your fingers and pass it over the oysters; it is not advisable to rinse them under a stream of water.
The best part of consuming oysters is that you don't need any utensils. Just pick them up with your fingers and bring them to your mouth. Ideally, serve them in their own shells to preserve their natural, iodine-rich, balanced, and salty flavor, allowing you to appreciate these characteristics with each bite.
An expert and Spanish chef advises that oysters should be opened right before consumption. To do this, hold the oyster with a cloth, with the con cavity facing down, and insert a knife into the hinge (the joint connecting the two shells). Give a slight twist to separe the shells. The shell served is the lower one.
At Zuberoa, a restaurant located in the Spanish town of Oiartzun, they serve warm oysters in green apple jelly, accompanied by al dente lentils; also prepared with fennel, saffron, and vegetables in brunoise, sautéed with a fennel and soy-based sauce. These are truly presentation-worthy dishes where flavors, textures, and forms blend in harmony, inviting you to enjoy them. You shouldn't miss the chance to prepare similar dishes or visit top restaurants in the country to indulge in these marine delicacies.
