Oysters

Like mussels, oysters should only be bought if they are tightly closed. Using a stiff brush, scrub the shells to get rid of any sand. To open the oysters, hold the oyster in one hand, rounded shell upwards, and insert the tip of an oyster knife, or a knife with a short, strong blade, into the hinge. Twist the knife to prise it open and cut through the two hard muscles that lie on either side.