How to Clean Oysters

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Whether you buy oysters from a fish market or from a grocery store, you'll have to clean them before you prepare or cook them. Oysters live in the ocean, where they collect dirt and debris on their shells. To make them fit for consumption, this dirt must be scrubbed from the outside of the shell. In addition to cleaning, it's also important to know how to select and store oysters. Following these procedures will allow you to enjoy eating your oysters without risking food poisoning.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Cleaning and Shucking the Oysters

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Oysters
    Place the oysters in a colander, packed in single layers. Then, rinse them under a stream of cold running water. Scrub each shell with a scrub brush to remove any dirt or debris. Pay special attention to any creases, where debris can build up and slip inside the shell.
    • Oysters whose shells have opened have died in storage. Discard them. [1]
    • You may have heard about "purging" oysters to get rid of sand. Fortunately, most shellfish is purged ahead of time so you don't have to worry about doing it yourself. [2] However, if you still want to purge your oysters, soak them in a bowl of ice water for 10 minutes. [3]
  2. Hold the oyster in your non-dominant hand while you open the shell with your dominant hand. Wear a protective glove on the hand holding the oyster to protect it should your knife slip. [4]
    • Alternatively, you can place a clean hand towel on the counter or other flat surface. Put a cleaned oyster on the towel. Use another hand towel to hold the oyster steady as you prepare to open it. [5]
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  3. The hinge is the meeting point of the top and bottom side of the shell. This is where you'll insert the oyster knife. Look for a slight indentation between the top and bottom halves. [6]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Oysters
    Open the shell . Insert the tip of your oyster knife blade into the hinge. Jiggle the blade by rotating your wrist back and forth. Apply enough pressure to open the shell. [7]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Oysters
    Slide the blade between the body and the flat side of the shell. This will slice through the muscle that attaches the oyster to the shell. Then, remove the flat side. Repeat the process with the cup side of the shell. [8]
    • As you loosen the body, avoid spilling any liquid from the shell. This “oyster liquor” retains the original flavor of the meat. [9]
  6. Place the oysters on a bed of crushed ice to keep them chilled. Make sure they're consumed within two hours to avoid spoilage and food poisoning. Serve with mignonette sauce, cocktail sauce, or grated horseradish. [10]
  7. Cook the oysters . If you prefer to not eat raw oysters, there are a number of ways to cook them. You can steam, roast, or fry them. Serve them with Béchamel sauce or Tabasco sauce. [11]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Buying and Storing the Oysters

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  1. Oysters caught in waters far from the Equator are usually the freshest. The best Northern Hemisphere locations include the Pacific Northwest or either coast of Canada. For Southern Hemisphere locations, look for southern Chile or New Zealand as the country of origin. [12]
  2. Oysters should remain alive until they're shucked. Otherwise, they're not fit for consumption. To test for life, try opening the shell. If it snaps back, the oyster is still alive. If not, you shouldn't buy it. Cracked or open shells are other markers of dead oysters. [13]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Oysters
    Place them cup side down (flat side up) on a large plate. Cover them with a wet kitchen towel. Make sure the fridge has enough air circulating to avoid killing the oysters. Avoid placing them on a bed of ice. Oysters live only in saltwater. Anything containing fresh water can kill them. [14]
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      Warnings

      • Only use an oyster knife to open the shell. Because a regular knife isn't strong enough to open an oyster shell, its blade can break and result in serious injury. [15]
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      Things You'll Need

      • Colander
      • Shucking glove or hand towels
      • Oyster knife

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.helpwithcooking.com/seafood-shellfish/oysters.html
      2. ↑ https://www.marthastewart.com/8298645/how-to-clean-clams-mussels
      3. ↑ https://www.thechefandthedish.com/post/2016/08/04/oysters-101-your-ultimate-guide-on-how-to-select-store-clean-and-shuck-oysters-so-you-can
      4. ↑ http://www.formerchef.com/2013/02/09/oysters-part-2-how-to-buy-clean-and-open-raw-oysters/
      5. ↑ http://www.foodrepublic.com/2011/06/30/how-to-clean-and-shuck-oysters/
      6. ↑ http://www.foodrepublic.com/2011/06/30/how-to-clean-and-shuck-oysters/
      7. ↑ http://www.formerchef.com/2013/02/09/oysters-part-2-how-to-buy-clean-and-open-raw-oysters/
      8. ↑ http://www.formerchef.com/2013/02/09/oysters-part-2-how-to-buy-clean-and-open-raw-oysters/
      9. ↑ http://www.foodrepublic.com/2011/06/30/how-to-clean-and-shuck-oysters/
      1. ↑ http://www.formerchef.com/2013/02/13/oysters-part-3-sauces-and-garnishes/
      2. ↑ http://www.helpwithcooking.com/seafood-shellfish/how-to-cook-oysters.html
      3. ↑ http://www.formerchef.com/2013/02/09/oysters-part-2-how-to-buy-clean-and-open-raw-oysters/
      4. ↑ http://www.formerchef.com/2013/02/09/oysters-part-2-how-to-buy-clean-and-open-raw-oysters/
      5. ↑ http://www.formerchef.com/2013/02/09/oysters-part-2-how-to-buy-clean-and-open-raw-oysters/
      6. ↑ http://www.foodrepublic.com/2011/06/30/how-to-clean-and-shuck-oysters/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To clean oysters, start by rinsing them with cold water in a colander. Then, use a scrub brush or a clean toothbrush to scrub the outer shells, which will get off any dirt or debris. If you notice any oysters that are already cracked open, discard them. After you thoroughly scrub all of the oysters, they're ready to be shucked and served. If you want to learn how to store your fresh oysters, keep reading the article!

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