Oysters
One of the sea's finest treasures
There are two kinds of oyster encountered in the UK, Natives and Pacifics.
Native Oysters
Native oysters are considered to be the better of the two types readily available in this country, and as such attract a higher price. Natives are found in many European waters, but some of the best known beds are off Colchester and Whitstable in England, and Galway and Cork in Ireland.
Traditionally, wild oysters are in season when there's an 'r' in the month, as their breeding season is in May to August.
Native oysters are also known as Flat or Belon Oysters, particularly in the USA.
Pacific or Rock Oysters
Pacific oysters are the cheaper oyster available in the UK. Also known as rock oysters, they grow faster than natives, and so are the species favoured by oyster farmers. Despite their reputation as being inferior to natives, rock oysters can at their best match them in quality.
Visually, these oysters are less rounded and flat than natives, and darker in colour. Farmed pacifics are available all year round.
A Luxury?
Oysters are of course considered an aphrodisiac and a luxury food, but it's not always been that way. In Victorian times wild oysters were plentiful and cheap, and were an important staple food. Indeed, they were used to pad out more expensive ingredients in dishes such as steak and kidney pie, in much the same way as mushrooms are often used today.
Unfortunately, over-exploitation of the wild beds lead to a drastic decline in numbers and an increase in price, and so the oyster's exclusive reputation began. Today, oyster farming means that they are increasingly inexpensive and more readily available.
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