Canned Oyster

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About

Canned oysters are not as flavorful as fresh ones but can serve as a substitute when fresh oysters are not available. Canned oysters work well when battered and fried or used in dips, soups and stew.

Information

Translations: Konservēti Oyster, Konservuoti Oyster, Conserve Oyster, Gotovi Oyster, Oyster đóng hộp, Oyster w puszkach, डिब्बाबंद कस्तूरा, Canned Ostras, Консервы Ойстер, Κονσέρβες Oyster, المحار المعلب, 굴 통조림, Konzervy Oyster, Oyster Kalengan, Canned talaba, 牡蛎罐头, Conserves de Oyster, Konzervy Oyster, Conserve di Oyster, שימורי אויסטר, Готови Оистер, 缶詰オイスター, Conserves Oyster, Dåse Oyster, Hermetisk Oyster, Conservas de Oyster, Консерви Ойстер, Säilykkeet Oyster, Консервирани стриди

Physical Description

Their texture varies from soft to firm and their taste varies from bland to salty.

Colors: White, brownish

Tasting Notes

Flavors: Salty

Mouthfeel: Slimy

Food complements: Stews, Fish, Chinese food

Wine complements: Champagne, Chablis, Pinot grigio

Substitutes: Fresh oysters

Selecting and Buying

Seasonality: january, february, march, april, may, june, july, august, september, opctober, november, december

Choosing: Make sure can is undented and not past the expiration date.

Buying: Gourmet stores, upscale grocery stores.

Procuring: Fished, is a bivalve mollusk, which is eaten raw or cooked.

Preparation and Use

Canned oysters suffer a loss in flavor from live, fresh oysters and are usually used only in cooked dishes. Smoked, canned oysters are great for appetizers.

Conserving and Storing

Unopened canned oysters can be stored for up to a year in a dry, cool place. Once opened, it will keep for up to two days if you wrap it well and refrigerate it. Canned oysters will have an expiration date and should be stored refrigerated in their liquor in a covered container once opened. Cooked oysters should not be frozen, lest you end up with rubber door stoppers. Use leftover refrigerated cooked oysters within three days.

Social/Political

History: Ancient Greeks used to serve oysters as an incentive to drink. Romans imported them from England, placed them in salt water pools, and fattened them up by feeding them wine and pastries. Many cultures consider oysters an aphrodisiac.

Abraham Lincoln used to throw parties at his home in Illinois where nothing but oysters was served.