Oysters are one of the most highly prized meals on the planet. Considered a luxury by many, oysters are featured on menus across the world, giving lucky diners a slice of luxury served in its very own shell.
At Burger & Lobster, oysters are pride of place on the menu and are always served alongside Tabasco, fresh lemon and a zesty shallot vinaigrette. The perfect appetiser to your Burger & Lobster experience.
At Burger & Lobster, we are purveyors of fantastic ingredients and love shouting about fantastic ingredients. Below, we’re going to cover some oyster facts to learn a little more about this wonderful ingredient.
Oysters Change Gender
Perhaps one of the most bizarre facts about oysters, oysters are protandrous hermaphrodites. This means that they start as males and can change to females later in life. The process of gender change is influenced by several factors, including the size and age of the oyster, the temperature of the water, and the availability of food. When an oyster is young and small, it is a male. As the oyster grows larger, it may change to female, however, some remain male. This change is usually triggered by a decrease in the temperature of the water or by a decrease in the availability of food. When an oyster is a female, it produces eggs and produces new oyster larvae.
They Can Be Really Old
The lifespan of an oyster varies depending on the species and the environment in which it lives. Some species of oysters can live for over 100 years, while others only live for a few years. However, the average lifespan of an oyster is around 15 years.
Natural Filters
Oysters are excellent natural water filters. A single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons (about 189 litres) of water per day, helping to improve water quality in the environment. Oysters filter out pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus which can reduce turbidity. Turbidity is a measure of the amount of suspended particles in the water. High turbidity can reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches underwater plants, which can harm their growth.
Pearls Aren't Just for Jewellery
While pearls are often associated with jewellery, they are actually formed when a foreign particle gets trapped inside an oyster. The oyster covers the particle in layers of nacre (mother-of-pearl), creating a pearl. These can then be harvested for jewellery. Ethical practices don’t hurt the oyster and they can be released to continue producing pearls.
Oyster Farms
Oyster farming, also known as aquaculture, has been practised for over 2,000 years. Oyster farming helps protect wild oyster populations and provides a sustainable source of oysters to stop overfishing.
Variety of Species
There are over 100 species of oysters around the world, but only a few are commonly consumed. The Pacific oyster and the Eastern oyster are two of the most popular edible varieties. However, other edible varieties include American oysters, European oysters, Olympia oysters, Kumamoto oysters, Sydney rock oysters and Belon oysters.
Different Tastes
The flavour of oysters can vary based on their environment. Oysters take on the characteristics of the water they filter, so oysters from different regions can have distinct tastes.
Salinity: Oysters that live in saltier water tend to have a more briny flavour. Oysters that live in fresher water tend to have a milder flavour.
Water temperature: Oysters that live in colder water tend to have a firmer texture and a more delicate flavour. Oysters that live in warmer water tend to have a softer texture and a more robust flavour.
Food availability: The type of food that oysters eat can also affect their flavour. Oysters that eat a variety of foods tend to have a more complex flavour. Oysters that eat a limited diet may have a more one-dimensional flavour.
Oysters and Aphrodisiacs
Oysters have long been associated with romance and aphrodisiac qualities. This reputation may be due to their high zinc content, which is important for reproductive health and can act as a hormonal aphrodisiac.
Oysters on the Half Shell
Serving oysters on the half shell is a popular way to enjoy them. They are often served raw with various accompaniments like lemon, mignonette sauce, or cocktail sauce. However, at Burger & Lobster, we prefer a slice of lemon, Tabasco and shallot vinaigrette.
National Oyster Day
Oyster lovers have a day to celebrate their favourite bivalve. National Oyster Day is observed on August 5th each year in the United States.
Oysters at Burger & Lobster
If all this talk of oysters has got your mouth watering, chances are you’re not too far away from slurping, sipping and scoffing a plate all to yourself. Across London, we have nine locations, so you are never too far from some splendid seafood.
On our menu, you’ll find a selection of oyster dishes Our Rock Oysters are served lovingly with plenty of zesty accompaniments. Add in some lemon juice, fiery Tabasco and a tangy shallot vinaigrette. The perfect start to any meal, or the perfect accompaniment.
If you’d prefer a little slice of everything, the Seafood Platter is just as divine. Have your pick of Rock oysters, native crab claws, fresh mussels, tiger prawns, lemon mayo, and a succulent half lobster. Certainly one for the seafood lovers.
The rest of the Burger & Lobster menu is equally delicious, with fresh, succulent Lobster Rolls, juicy Beef Burgers, perfectly crisp fries and lots of perfect little sides to pair. Complete your experience with our twist on the classic, Lobstar Martin and finish (or start) your day with a little slice of luxury.