The old saying might be outdated.
Summer, in other words.
You may be wondering: Is it OK to eat oysters in summer now?
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Back when we had only wild oysters, the season was a factor on several fronts.
Wild oysters spawn in the summer when the water is warmest.
Another factor is that spawning oysters are small, watery, and have unpleasant off-taste.
No one wants to eat a flimsy, bitter oyster.
There were serious food safety issues to consider, as well.
Bacteria and red tide algae levels in the water rise in summer as well.
Is It Safe To Eat Oysters Year-Round Now?
The times have changed and it’s okay to eat oysters year-round if you like.
The U.S. has made huge strides in the safe and sustainable harvesting ofwild oysters.
Oyster harvesters and various agencies monitor each step in the process, including water quality and safe transportation.
Oysters that never spawn don’t have the flavor and quality issues brought on by summertime spawning.
When buying, ensure the oysters look clean, smell fresh, and are refrigerated or stored on ice.
Boil oysters in the shell for at least three minutes after they open.
Never eat an oyster from a shell that doesn’t open.
US Food and Drug Administration.National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP).
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association.What is a red tide?
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.Title 21, Section 123.28: Source Controls.
University of Florida Extension.Production and Performance of Triploid Oysters for Aquaculture.
