Fun Facts About Oysters
Oyster season is an extremely popular time for southeastern North Carolina. Folks everywhere clamor to find a bushel of their favorite, salty treat. Families gather around tables ready to devour the tasty bivalves! Others line bars awaiting their own platter of raw delicacies.
The Top Must Haves
The "must haves" for any oyster lover looking to spend an hour or two gathered around a table include:
- Oyster knives
- Hand towels
- Protective gloves
- Ketchup
- Hot vinegar
- Cornbread
You probably know whether you like oysters or not, but how much more do you really know about them? We decided to look a bit deeper to find out more about these fascinating (and delectable) creatures.
Little Known Facts About Oysters
- A single oyster filters (and cleans) about 50 gallons of water each day; and, thus greatly improves water quality and clarity!
- Oysters contain more zinc per serving than any other food. Considered one of the most nutritionally well-balanced foods, four or five medium sized oysters supply the recommended daily allowance of iron, copper, iodine, magnesium, calcium, zinc, manganese and phosphorus.
- Oysters close their shells to rest and follow a very strict circadian rhythm according to sun and moon positions.
- The largest oyster producing body of water in the United States is the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia.
- You can eat oysters during the months without an "r"; however, those harvested wildly simply will not taste as good because those months are when they spawn. Farmed oysters are good all year round.
- While oysters have different genders, they may change genders one or more times during their life span which can be over 20 years.
If you find yourself in our area during the month of October, you may be interested in celebrating everything oyster at the NC Oyster Festival in Ocean Isle Beach. This annual event, only a 45-minute drive from Oak Island, offers crafts, contests, musical performances, and a variety of foods (including the star of the show, the oyster)!
Looking for Oysters during Your Oak Island Vacation?
Finding the perfect place to grab your oysters during your Oak Island getaway is not hard at all. Moore Street Oyster Bar in Southport specializes in elevated food with steamer pots and oysters on the half shell. Pelican Seafood is a seafood market offering carry-out only options here on the island.
Moore Street Oyster Bar Pelican Seafood
Let us know if you need help finding the perfect rental during your oyster season trip to our area. Margaret Rudd & Associates offers many properties with ample covered porches, perfect for your outdoor oyster opening session!
