Scattered across the globe, oysters vary based on their native region.
Indulge in a delicious selection of oysters with Costas Inn! Once a 19th-century staple, oysters have evolved into a luxurious delicacy known for their unique texture and nutritional value. The sustainable seafood is best eaten in the winter and has many health benefits due to its high zinc content. However, before you dive into this salty sustenance, there are several facts you should know about oysters.
The 5 Types of Oysters
Scattered across the globe, oysters vary based on their native region. There are five distinct oyster species: Crassostrea gigas, Ostrea lurida, Crassostrea sikamea, Ostrea edulis, and Crassostrea virginicas. These species are more commonly referred to simply as Pacific oysters, Olympia oysters, Kumamoto oysters, European flats, and Atlantic oysters. Each variation is defined by its unique taste, size, and style.
Marin Miyagi and Kusshi are two common examples of Pacific Oysters. These oysters have a creamier consistency and tend to contain more meat. While Kumamoto oysters include smaller meats, the meat is very sweet. Kumamoto oysters are perfect for beginners because they are easier to consume. Large Atlantic Oysters have a metallic taste and European Flats are known as flavorful and rich. Olympia oysters are characterized by a nutty or sweet flavor.
Preparation and Consumption
Many longtime oyster fanatics don’t realize that they’re eating oysters incorrectly. Oysters should be savored, not swallowed in one flavorless gulp. Use the small fork as a tool to release your oyster from the shell, but don’t eat the oyster with the utensil. The proper way to consume an oyster is to slurp it whole and swallow after a few bites. Don’t forget to taste the unique flavor of your oyster.
Oysters can be prepared raw, fried, or grilled. Hardcore oyster eaters skip the added ingredients, but beginners may choose to garnish the cuisine so that the aroma is not too overpowering. Add a hint of lemon, vinaigrette, or even horseradish to complement the oyster, but refrain from overdoing it. The most common mistake that people make during preparations is masking the oyster’s taste with too many ingredients.
Major Health Benefits
Oysters are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, B-12, zinc, selenium, and iron. A major source of protein, the hard-shelled cuisine contains a whopping 16 grams of protein in every serving. It has been known to strengthen your immune system, clear acne, and promote strong bone growth.
YOUR SUMMER SEAFOOD DESTINATION
Costas Inn has been a Baltimore tradition since 1971. You may recognize our restaurant, which was recently featured on the Food Network with Michael Symon on Burgers, Brew, and ‘Que! We were also voted the 2015 #1 Baltimore Seafood Restaurant by USA Today, as well as #1 Crab Restaurant 2014 in the Baltimore Business Journal. You may have also spotted Costas Inn during one of our 9 appearances on the Today Show or heard one of our many interviews on WJZ TV Channel 13 with Ron Matz and Marty Bass.
You can enjoy our famous crab cakes in-house or order them online for any time eating. We also provide some of the best seafood catering in the Baltimore area! You can also get your fill from Costas even when you’re not in our dining room: follow us on Facebook,Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and YouTube!