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Roasted Oysters with Fried Kale and Parmesan

Source: louisianacookin.com / http://www.louisianacookin.com

Get slurping on August 5th with National Oyster Day! Oysters are enjoyed as a seafood in many parts of the world.

Did you know there are over 100 different species of oysters?  Interestingly, oysters tend to take on the characteristics of the water in which they live. Because of this, they’re typically named after the body of water in which they’re grown.

While many people enjoy fresh oysters raw, the shellfish can be savored in multiple ways. As a side dish, oysters add immense flavor to Thanksgiving dressing. They also make flavorful stews, soups, and chowders. Other recipes will bake, grill or broil the oysters with or without the shell.

These mollusks provide valuable nutrients whether eaten cooked or raw. Since oysters supply a high amount of vitamins B12 and A, they may benefit heart, skin, and brain health. These vitamins also support lung and kidney function. Additionally, oysters benefit the environment since their valves are capable of cleansing an ecosystem of pollutants.

Here are some other exciting oyster facts:

  • The Chesapeake Bay produces more oysters in the world than any other body of water.
  • The world loves oysters! We consume almost two billion pounds of oysters each year around the world.
  • Illustrating how the body of water influences the flavor of the oysters, the east and west coast U.S. oysters taste very different from each other. On the east coast, oysters tend to be smaller, milder and saltier. However, west coast oysters take on a creamy texture and a sweet flavor.
  • Only one out of every 10,000 oysters will produce a pearl.

HOW TO OBSERVE # NationalOysterDay

Make or order a dish that uses oyster as one of its main ingredients. Try this Grilled Oyster recipe or share a recipe with us.  Use #NationalOysterDay to post on social media.