The Lore and Allure of the Oyster

Oysters have been a topic of intrigue and mystery since the days of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Many oyster tales still abound in todayÌs popular culture, some rooted in scientific fact, others purely misconception.

Are Oysters Aphrodisiacs?

While there is no verifiable scientific proof that oysters are aphrodisiacs, history suggests otherwise. It is commonly believed that the high trace metal content of oysters could correct mineral imbalances in an individual, producing noticeable changes in certain physical functions and performances. Yippee!

Do Glidden Point Oysters Have Pearls?

While it is biologically possible for our oysters to produce pearls, it is unlikely that they would. Our oysters are genetically selected and raised for fast growth and excellent food quality characteristics. Pearl production could actually be a liability in oysters raised for the half-shell trade. Pearls may be found in any bivalves that have an irritant introduced either naturally or artificially. Oysters raised for commercial pearl production are of an entirely different species, and more closely related to the mussel.

The Myth about Months with an "R"

Should oysters only be eaten during months which contain the letter "R?" NO! Today that supposition is purely myth, although at one point in history it was probably a necessary safety precaution. Before biotoxin monitory was possible (or even contemplated) it is possible that people in coastal communities became accustomed to avoiding shellfish consumption during the summer months as a method of avoiding PSP related illness caused by blooms of toxic dinoflagellates we now refer to as "Red Tide." Also, in most traditional oyster grounds oysters spawn during the summer months leaving their meats watery, runny, lacking flavor, and generally not worth eating until they recover a bit by feeding for a month or two.

Learn more about Red Tide at the Resource Center.

Oysters in History and Literature

Oysters have enjoyed rich and frequent recognition in history and literature. The ancient Romans and Greeks were well known for their conspicuous consumption of excessive numbers of the sea animals, and went to great lengths and expense to have them readily available to t heir emperors. The early Chinese and European civilizations also held the oyster in high regard, and were the first to experiment with maricuture, transplanting wild oysters to various waterways for grow-out.

"He was a bold man who first ate an oyster." - Jonathan Swift

"Why, when the world is mind oyster, which I with sword will conquer." - William Shakespeare, The Merry Wives of Windsor

"The Eldest Oyster winked his eye, and shook his heavy head. Meaning to say he did not choose to leave the oyster bed." - Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking Glass

"You have never seen the sea, but in an oyster on the shell." - Edmond Rostand, Cyrano De Bergerac