There’s a reason why many people love to eat oysters. This large flat shellfish is tasty and packed with vitamins and minerals. Oysters are often considered a fancy dish at dinners, but they can also be a fun snack along with alcoholic drinks. So, it’s no surprise that many people serve oysters when they host parties.
If it’s your first-time buying oysters in the market, you might need clarification about how much you should buy and how much they cost. Here we will talk about everything you need to know before you purchase this popular seafood.
All About Oysters
Oysters are bivalve mollusks that can be a source of food and pearls and be used as jewelry and ornaments. They are also great as filter feeders, allowing water to pass through their gills and supplying them with food and oxygen. Because of this capability, oysters are sometimes used to clean water and improve its quality.
The best thing about oysters is they can be enjoyed raw, grilled, steamed, fried, baked, or smoked. They can be incorporated into various dishes and cuisines, making them more delectable. On top of it all, oysters are very nutritious, making them a yummy treat and a healthy source of nutrients for your diet. (Read Can Fondant Be Refrigerated)
Here are more reasons why people love oysters:
High in protein, low in calories
Oysters are known for being low in calories no matter what their size is. A serving of six medium-sized raw oysters only has less than 50 calories. Regarding protein, each oyster has around 2g of protein, meaning that eating half-dozen oysters will give you as much as 12g of protein, depending on the size.
Replenishes vitamins and nutrients in the body
As people grow older, we tend to lose vitamins and nutrients in our bodies. But eating oysters can help replenish these in our bodies since they are rich in Vitamin D, Copper, Zinc, Selenium, Iron, and Vitamin B12.
Versatile dish
People often don’t like eating fresh raw oysters. But as mentioned, oysters are versatile and can be cooked in many different ways, such as smoked oysters with a taste close to meat. They also go well with sauces and can be used as toppings on many dishes. You can also incorporate them into dishes like ramen and pasta… the list goes on!
Peck of Oysters: What Is It and How Much Are There in It?
Vendors often offer you a bushel when buying raw oysters in the market, but many retail seafood markets sell these by the piece. They are also usually measured by the dozen, the peck, or in 100-pound bags.
For those unfamiliar, a bushel is a dry volume measurement equal to four pecks or eight gallons or 32 quarts in each system. It is derived from the French word “buissiel” which means “little box.”
Although a peck is less frequently used than a bushel, some vendors still offer this measurement. For an estimate, there are around 100 oysters in a bushel, or approximately 25 oysters a peck. This is based on a general rule for most American oysters, which may greatly vary on the type and size of oysters.
For reference, a bushel of oysters weighs between 45 and 60 pounds. This can feed up to 16 people depending on how much they can eat in one sitting. If all of them love eating shellfish, it’s safe to say that a bushel could only feed between four to six people. (Read Can You Freeze Custard)
Common Sizes of Oysters
It’s essential to know that when you buy oysters, they come in different sizes:
X-small: around 2.5 to 3 inches
Small: about 3 to 3.5 inches
Small/medium: about 3.5 to 4 inches
Medium: approximately 4 to 4.5 inches
Large: about 4.5 to 5 inches
X-large: 5 inches
The size of oysters can also depend on their type. Shucked oyster sizes often tend to be based on the number of individual oysters within a specific volume.
Bushel vs. Pint vs. Pound of Oysters
Generally, a bushel of oysters is equal to 2,150.4 cubic inches, or around 100-150 oysters, depending on its size.
On the other hand, a pint of oysters includes around 30 skinny oysters or 16-18 oysters if the oysters are fat or medium-sized. It can serve about three servings.
Meanwhile, there are about 12 oysters in a pound if they’re small and around eight oysters if they’re medium-sized.
Serving Guide of Oysters
People who buy bushels of oysters are often hosting parties or setting up an oyster roast during the summer. When purchasing a bulk of oysters, consider asking yourself these questions:
Will you be offering other dishes on the menu other than the oysters?
If yes, you limit your serving of oysters to only a bushel since the guests might enjoy the other dishes you will offer.
Will the oysters be served as an appetizer or a main dish?
You can only allot half of your planned bulk of order if the oysters are served as an appetizer rather than as your main dish.
Do most of your guests love to eat oysters?
If yes, the safest is getting a dozen oysters per person. That way, you will have tons of extra for people who eat more than a dozen, while others eat only less.
How long will the gathering last?
It’s common for parties and other gatherings to have extended social eating. If this happens, ensure enough storage to keep your oysters cool until you’re ready to serve them.
Most Common Oysters Often Served
There are two common types of oysters bought at the market:
Whitestone Oysters
Whitestone oysters are often referred to as Atlantic oysters since they are raised and found in the Atlantic waters. It can extend from the Gulf of Mexico to the end of the eastern shoreline. Other Atlantic oysters also common in the market are Bluepoints, Wellfleets, Malpeques, and Beausoleils.
“Bluepoint Oyster” is also now a coined term for any Atlantic oyster served on the half-shell.
Virginia Oysters
This type of oyster grows in the world-famous Chesapeake Bay and thrives in eight different regions, from the seaside to the lower bay western shore. Virginia oysters have a distinct flavor that is best paired with a wide range of alcoholic beverages. (Read Do Uncrustables Need To Be Refrigerated)
Best Wine That Goes with Oysters
To complete your slurp session, you should serve only the best wine with your oysters:
Muscadet
You can never go wrong with the Muscadet and oyster pairing. This crisp white wine is made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape, commonly known as Melon. The best one comes from the Sèvre-et-Maine region and is labeled ‘Sur lie.’
Sauvignon Blanc
This is what locals usually drink in Bordeaux, a popular oyster-producing area. The hint of lemon is best while sipping alongside raw oysters, giving you an authentic tropical summer vibe.
Champagne
The bubbles of champagne work wonderfully with oysters; they perfectly contrast the velvety texture of the seafood. What’s excellent about champagne is it can be paired with pretty much any seafood because of its yeast and bready flavor that add depth to the pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many oysters in a gallon?
There are around 20-40 oysters in one gallon if they are small and approximately 10-20 oysters if they are large. It will generally depend on the size of the oysters, but it will range from 10 to 40 on average.
Are oysters better eaten whole or chewed first?
Both. Some people prefer eating whole oysters, while others prefer to chew them first to enjoy their rich flavor.
How many oysters can I consume in one sitting?
On average, a person eats around six oysters when served as a main course, and about four oysters if served as an appetizer. While there are no limits when eating raw oysters, a dozen fresh oysters are already too much for human consumption.
Can I eat oysters every day?
No, it would be best if you didn’t eat oysters daily. While they may be packed with vitamins and nutrients, oysters contain minerals that can harm our bodies when taken excessively.
Is eating too many oysters bad for your health?
Yes, eating too many oysters can be a health risk. Consuming too many fresh oysters can lead to food poising due to zinc toxicity. It’s also not advisable to have too many raw oysters since they can be a carrier of bacteria.
What should I do if I consume too many oysters?
You might feel bloated or get an upset stomach when you have too many oysters. If you experience more symptoms, such as diarrhea or vomiting, you should go to the nearest hospital to prevent progressing into more severe illnesses.
