Buying

Oysters are bivalve molluscs that grow, wild or farmed, on coastlines around the world and are often named for their place of origin, for example: Breton, Colchester and Sydney. Oyster farming is a highly skilled occupation and today, when most oysters are cultivated, oyster lovers rely heavily on the farmer for both flavour and safety. Ideally, an oyster should be bought live, with the shell closed. In this state, it should be heavy and full of water. If the shell is open, it should close when lightly tapped. If buying an open oyster on the half-shell, look for plump, glossy oysters that smell fresh.