Oyster Facts

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Oysters R US

How Is an Oyster Created? ​

All oysters begin life as males, but they can change sex later on. This is because they have gonads, which allow them to produce both sperm and eggs. Indeed, during the breeding season, if two males are close together, one will change to female to help with reproduction.

The male oyster releases millions of sperm into the water. Similarly, the female releases millions of eggs. However, only a few combine to create larvae, also known as spats. Consequently, these tiny larvae drift on the ocean currents for about three weeks.

Eventually, when the larvae are ready, they sink to the sea floor. Then, they grow a small “foot” to help them move along and search for a solid surface like a rock. Once they find a clean spot, they attach and start building their shell using calcium carbonate and protein. Thus, that’s the beginning of an oyster’s life.

Wild vs. Cultivated Oysters

Cultivated oysters are grown in designated sea farms. Generally speaking, they’re uniform in size and shape. Furthermore, their shells are softer because they aren’t exposed to natural predators.

In contrast, wild oysters grow on rocks in the open sea. Therefore, no two look the same—they come in all shapes and sizes. Moreover, their shells are much harder and can be tricky to spot, as they often blend in with the rock.

Despite their differences, both wild and farmed oysters have a salty taste, although wild ones tend to have a firmer texture.

Facts

Fun and Fascinating Oyster Facts

What Kind of Animal Is an Oyster?

Oysters are molluscs that live mostly in the ocean. In fact, there are over 50 different species, but not all are edible. Ultimately, their hard shells protect their soft inner bodies.

Yep, oysters can change from male to female! This is because their gonads produce both eggs and sperm, which helps with reproduction in the wild.

Oysters have hearts that pump clear blood and oxygen. Additionally, they also have intestines and kidneys that help clean their system.

Specifically, with gills and a mantle, oysters pull in water, extract oxygen, and push out carbon dioxide.

Oysters Clean the Water

Oysters feed on plankton and tiny bits of plant matter. Remarkably, while eating, they filter huge amounts of water—up to 120 litres a day! As a result, that helps keep the ocean clean and balanced.

Packed with Nutrients

For example, just four medium oysters can provide your daily intake of:
  • Calcium
  • Iron
  • Iodine
  • Magnesium
  • Manganese
  • Copper
  • Phosphorus
  • Zinc

Furthermore, they’re also rich in vitamins A, C, D, B-12, and omega-3 fatty acids.

How to Eat Oysters

Oysters can be served raw, baked, braaied, roasted, steamed, poached, smoked, or boiled. However, in South Africa, the most popular way is raw with lemon, black pepper, and Tabasco.

Nonetheless, people with weak immune systems should avoid raw oysters because they can carry bacteria.

What Happens After You Eat One?

Don’t toss the shells! Instead, use crushed oyster shells to add calcium to feed for birds like ostriches.

How Pearls Are Made

A pearl forms when a tiny object—like a grain of sand—gets stuck inside an oyster’s shell. To protect itself, the oyster coats the object in layers of calcium and protein, which eventually become a pearl.

Oysters and Romance

The Romans believed oysters boosted romance and love. While they are packed with zinc—a mineral linked to energy and male health—unfortunately, there’s no scientific proof that oysters are true aphrodisiacs.

What Does “Shuck” Mean?

“To shuck an oyster” means to open it. In fact, the term was first used in 1881 and is still popular today with chefs and oyster lovers everywhere.