4 ms·
The problem is lack of demand for this particular oyster in Europe. Otherwise this would be considered a boon for local fisherman. The oysters the article is re
by pembrook 10y ago
The problem is lack of demand for this particular oyster in Europe. Otherwise this would be considered a boon for local fisherman. The oysters the article is referring to are of the "giant" variety with many of them being about the size of a human hand (fingers and all).
Not having eaten them myself, I would guess the taste isn't quite the same as their smaller cousins served over ice on the half shell. Also, even if they did taste similar, the sheer size would likely make them unappetizing to even the most adventurous westerners.
The Chinese on the other hand are very familiar with the giant pacific variety and have many traditional recipes for them.
- projectorlochsa 10y agoConsuming oysters in a larger than usual amounts would result in high amounts of unwanted metals from the polluted sea (mercury etc.) in the body. Oysters are wonderful sea cleaners. It is better for a larger population to consume them all, instead of a smaller one consuming more per individual.
- mrob 10y agoMercury contamination isn't usually a problem with shellfish because they're so near the bottom of the food chain. It's more a problem with big predatory fish like tuna, because each level of the food chain concentrates the mercury. However, shellfish are very good at collecting micro-plastics, which is an unknown risk.
- aaron695 10y agohttps://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_oyster https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_oyster These seem to be the normally eaten oysters everywhere. I think it's just the Chinese running with a joke.
- oska 10y agoWe farm the Sydney Rock Oyster [1] in Australia, rather than these. Sydney Rock oysters are pretty good eating. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_rock_oyster https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_rock_oyster
- smallnamespace 10y agoPacific oysters are sold 5-10 to the glass jar at my local Chinese supermarket. The trick is to thoroughly rinse out any sand, then pick a cooking technique that brings out their umami sweetness -- slow cooking them in a clay pot with some green vegetables, ginger, garlic, scallions, and tofu makes a really simple and delicious meal.
- emodendroket 10y ago> Also, even if they did taste similar, the sheer size would likely make them unappetizing to even the most adventurous westerners. I think that's taking it a little too far. It's not that crazy a thing to try eating.