Do you want to brush up on your seafood trivia? Well, you are in luck because, in this blog, we are discussing all the best oyster facts and myths for all seafood enthusiasts. So, get ready to impress your friends next time you go to a sushi place or order seafood!
Best Oyster Myths and Facts To Brush Up On Your Seafood Trivia
1. Oysters Are An Aphrodisiac
Many people think that oysters are an aphrodisiac due to pop culture; however, this is far from the truth. In reality, there is no scientific evidence to support this theory. The origin of this myth comes all the way back from Greek mythology, where Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and the mother of Eros, the Greek god of romantic love, emerged from the sea in an oyster shell.
This was later on adopted by many generations of writers and poets, like Jonathan Swift's poem called Oyster, and the concept of oysters being an aphrodisiac got integrated into society as a myth. You can see the influence of this myth in many pop culture movies and shows like the 1986 film Hannah and Her Sisters, where a character claims that oysters are an aphrodisiac after ordering them on a date.
There are many instances of European artists using oysters as a sign of fertility and pleasure. This can be seen in the paintings Girl Eating Oysters and The Birth of Venus by Jan Steen and Botticelli.
2. Oysters Can Change Their Gender
It is a fact that oysters are born as males, and as they grow older, they can transition into the female gender. However, this female gender may not be permanent, as these shellfish can change their gender multiple time throughout their life.
3. Eating Raw Oysters Can Give You Food Poisoning
This is another one of the oyster myths that is based on half-truths. The actual fact behind this is that oysters are moist shellfish and, therefore, if not harvested or stored properly, can be a breeding ground for bacteria. This is part of the reason why you need to be extra careful when selecting the right oysters to buy.
To avoid any chances of food poisoning, you should store your oysters at 40℉ or 4.4℃. You can look for a reputable seafood provider like Sea Food Boss, as they have strict practices set in place for quality maintenance. Additionally, if you want to be on the safe side, you can always opt for cooked oysters.
4. Oysters Do Not Make Pearls
This is a fact, as pearls are made by a variety of molluscs like mussels and clams but not oysters.
5. Oysters Showcase Their Gender Through Shells
This is a myth that was first started as an innocent assumption. The reason for this is that some oysters have elongated shells while some have shells more on the circular side. However, this is not based on actuality, as scientists have specified that shells are not a determining factor of gender in oysters.
6. Oysters Are Great Natural Water Filters
This is also another one of the oyster facts that a single oyster can filter as much as 30 gallons of water in a single day.
7. Oysters Should Only Be Consumed In The Months Ending With "R"
This is quite obviously a myth, and oysters can be enjoyed throughout the year. It is based on an old wives' tale that in the summer months, from May to August, the heat is at its peak, and due to the rise in temperature, oysters tend to go bad quickly. However, this issue has long been resolved with the invention of refrigerators so that you can have oysters any time of the year.
To Wrap Up
Oysters are fascinating creatures with many interesting myths and facts surrounding them. From their supposed aphrodisiac properties to their ability to change gender, there's always something new to learn about these enigmatic seafood delights. So, next time you're dining on oysters, impress your friends with your newfound knowledge.
If you want fresh oysters, you can get an Oysters Sydney delivery straight to your doorstep from Sea Food Boss!
