Oysters have been a favorite staple for coastal residents for centuries.
Early Native Americans harvested oysters, subsisting on the plentiful bivalve populations in Lowcountry waters. At low tides, they rise from tidal salt marsh creeks throughout the area. In fact, Hilton Head, Bluffton and Beaufort’s waters have traditionally been considered some of the richest oystering areas along the Atlantic coast, with a number of oyster canning factories once operating throughout the region.
One of the most traditional ways to eat this delicacy in Beaufort is to steam several bushels in a communal oyster roast. First, rinse the oysters well to remove any excess dirt or mud. Then, build a fire under a thin sheet of metal or wire mesh. Dump them over the sheet or mesh and cover them with a wet burlap bag, soaked well with water or even beer. The wet burlap steams the oysters until they pop open, which indicates they are ready to savor.
Shuck them when they are with an oyster knife.
Dip into drawn butter or cocktail sauce or simply enjoy au natural. The briny flavor offers a delicious taste of the Lowcountry – plus, they are loaded with nutrients. One of the most nutritionally well-balanced foods, oysters contain loads of vitamins. These include protein, carbohydrates and lipids. They also provide Vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin C and Vitamin D.
Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, the renowned “good fat,” oysters actively combat plaque buildup in your blood vessels for lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. So, dive into a healthier heart with every bite of oysters!
Leave a Reply