Shucking an oyster

Use a proper shucking knife for this job – a paring knife won’t do; you’ll probably just snap the tip off it.

Place the oyster curved-side down in a folded tea towel with the hinge facing away from you. Hold the oyster firmly and rest your hand on your work surface to keep it steady.

Stick the knife point in at the hinge, wiggling it and working it between the shells. Then twist the knife and prise the oyster open – sometimes you’ll hear an audible ‘pop’.

Now pull the knife across the inside of the top shell to release the oyster where it’s attached. Lift off the top shell and place it to one side.