A delicacy from our seas (and beyond), oysters are considered a prized, refined, and flavorful food, often seen gracing the most elegant mise en place. But there’s more: oysters are also incredibly good for your health. Let’s explore why.
An oyster is a bivalve mollusk (meaning it has a shell divided into two parts) that lives attached to rocks and is found in various regions around the world, especially in European waters that are rich in organic matter and marine organisms: a fascinating – and rare – trait of oysters, beyond their taste and nutritional value, is that they sometimes produce pearls, highly sought-after in luxury jewelry.
Oysters feed on tiny organisms found in salt water, which they filter from a depth of just a few centimeters to several meters below the sea surface. Among the species found closer to home are Ostrea edulis and Crassostrea gigas, commonly farmed in Italian and French waters, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea. Oysters are also cultivated globally, including the North Sea, the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean.
Oysters: properties and benefits
There’s no doubt about how delicious oysters are, as they’re cherished by the most refined restaurants around the world. But one common question is: are oysters also good for your health? We know they’re made up of proteins,
carbohydrates and contain low levels of fats and sugars. Thanks to their low energy intake, they’re suitable for most low-calorie diets. Their high content of essential minerals (including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and sodium) along with significant amounts of vitamins A and B, make oysters a great to: support bone and teeth development, stimulate the production of hemoglobin and hormones, help fight certain types of anemia, boost the immune system, regulate blood pressure.
Although there are no major contraindications, oysters are not recommended for those with digestive issues, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol levels and, most importantly, pregnant women should avoid them entirely. To open oysters use a drop-point steel knife to pry the shell open where the two halves are joined: it’s a delicate process and, if you’re not an expert, use protective steel gloves.
Once opened, oysters can be enjoyed raw or cooked (for example: gratinée or in sauté dishes).
Considering that the flesh of an oyster makes up about 12% of its total weight, the average nutritional values of oysters (per 100g) are:
- 0.9g fat
- 85g water
- 5.4g carbohydrates (of which 0.9g sugars)
- 1.4g minerals (including iron, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, calcium, potassium)
Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and B vitamins in varying amounts
Oysters & their explosion of flavor
Presentation matters, but so does freshness. In addition to offering numerous health benefits, as we’ve seen, oysters are at their best when eaten raw, served on a bed of crushed ice that preserves their flavor.
Make sure the shells are tightly closed and, once you’ve opened them using the appropriate oyster knife, leave the mollusk nestled in the open shell and serve them natural or with a squeeze of lemon, depending on your taste. Some prefer a sprinkle of black pepper to enhance the flavor with a more aromatic and intense touch. Elegance is served! Oysters also shine in a wide range of recipes: they can be baked, fried, or gratinée, and they’ll always deliver an exceptional flavor experience!
Concave Oyster and Belon Oyster (or Flat) and much more…
To sum up, oysters are a healthy indulgence when consumed in moderation. To guarantee you’re getting certified quality, trust us: we offer 100% traceable products, with rigorous quality control and batch tracking, so you can trace the entire production process, from the moment they’re harvested to the moment they reach your plate.
Ittica Buonocore offers concave oysters and Belon (flat) oysters, sourced from the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. And that’s not all.
If you’d like to learn more, contact us for additional information.
