Oysters

True oysters, belonging to the Ostreidae family, are highly prized as food, and eaten both raw and cooked. Contrary to popular thought, the true oyster is not capable of producing a gem-quality pearl. It was Jonathan Swift who said, “He was a bold man that first ate an oyster.” Archaeological evidence shows that the oyster has been an important food source in populated coastal areas around the world well into prehistory. Today, overfishing and pollution have reduced supplies but they remain a popular treat and remain a favorite among the exotic foods.