Our Top 10 Tips for Oyster Tastings
If it’s your first-time sampling oysters, diving into a tasting can be overwhelming. The first important fact to understand with oysters, even though there are many names on the menu, most of the oysters are either from the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans. These two species carry various market names depending on the region, owners or story being told. Sanctuary Oysters being Pacific Oysters are raised in Baja California. No matter what type of oyster you are sampling, having some handy tips up your sleeve is always a good idea. That’s why our team rounded up our top 10 tips for oyster tastings.
1. Check out where the oysters were harvested. When you dive into ordering your oysters, it’s important to check out where they came from. With the salinity varying from coast to coast, where an oyster is raised will affect its flavor. Generally, East Coast oysters tend to be milder in flavor with a flatter shell, whereas West Coast ones will be sweeter due to the deeper cup shell.
2. Get two of each. Not every oyster grows to taste the same—even if they’re farmed in the same area! That’s why it’s great to taste two of the same type of oyster to get a better sense of its flavor variations. Not to mention, it will give you an opportunity to taste it with and without condiments.
3. Feast with your eyes. Once your oysters arrive, you’ll be struck by how different these beauties can look. Take note of the shell, shape and color as well as the varying color and plumpness of the oyster meat.
4. Take a deep whiff. Just like wine, oysters are quite aromatic, which adds to the overall tasting. Your oysters should smell like a fresh sea breeze with a slight hint of sweetness.
5. Don’t pour out the oyster’s liquor! For first-time oyster samplers, your first instinct may be to pour out the oyster’s liquor. You’ll want to hold on to those special juices, because they’re brimming with flavor. It also keeps the oysters fresh and hydrated.
6. Sip, slurp, chew and savor. Now you’re ready to enjoy them! Sip a bit of the oyster liquor to taste its salinity. You can shimmy the oyster meat loose with a cocktail fork, if needed, and then use your lips to slurp the liquor and meat. Chew a few times to get the full taste of salty to sweet flavors.
7. Try them with and without condiments. A good rule of thumb is to try an oyster without condiments to get a sense of its fully natural flavor. And then if you want to change it up, try adding a bit of the condiments available, which typically includes a little lemon, lime, Tabasco sauce or mignonette.
8. Pay attention to their flavor and texture. As you continue your tasting, take note of the different oysters’ flavor and texture. Are they salty or sweet? Is the body silky and meaty or creamy and soft?
9. Don’t forget to cleanse your palate. With so many flavors at bay, it’s essential to cleanse your palate. Between tastings, remember to sip some water or chew a cracker to clear your senses for the next delicious taste.
10. Experiment with drink pairings. Even though dry, crisp white wine is the traditional beverage served with oysters, martinis, margaritas, hard ciders, micro brews or even rosés and vino verdes can be great alternatives.
Sampling oysters is a fun, flavorful experience that we hope everyone gets the chance to enjoy. Are you interested in trying Sanctuary Oysters? Send us an email please at info@solazul.com.mx.