Shuck your oysters like an expert with these helpful tips

Have a love for seafood? Up your kitchen skills this season and get familiar with some oysters

By Alyxandra Carolus | March 8, 2023 | Category

If you love oysters, why not learn how to shuck them? Image: Unsplash

Oysters are the perfect summertime starter, paired perfectly with a glass or two of bubbles - it’s an ideal after-work outing. But if you’d like to host a fun seafood evening at home, it might be time to learn how to make the most of this delicacy. Often touted as an aphrodisiac and fast becoming more expensive, trying to recreate a restaurant experience at home is a cost-effective exercise. While shucking may not be a glamourous activity, it’s a great skill to have when hosting or if you’re in the mood for something a little decadent and don’t want to visit a restaurant.

South Africa is home to a variety of marine life and the two main oysters being farmed are Cape Rock Oyster (Striostrea Margaritacea) and the Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea Gigas).

Always been curious how fishermen get to shuck oysters that quickly? You’re not alone, the hashtag #oystershucking has over 60 million views on TikTok. First of all, you’ll need a decent oyster knife and some sturdy gloves. And then it’s time to do some research. Recently, Bon Appetit showcased how to hone your premium shucking skills (and a how-to guide) from Glass Onion star Madelyn Cline - you can watch the TikTok below

Oysters are often touted as being one of the more sustainable seafood products, so if you’ve been concerned about potentially vulnerable species - this not considered to be one of them. Learn more about this species down below and happy shucking!