Oysters – shelf life and storage in the refrigerator
Oysters have always been a delicacy, even in ancient times. Especially for people living near the coast, where oysters are abundant, they are still a staple food today. Oysters belong to the class of bivalve molluscs and exist in many different species. The most common oyster for consumption is the Pacific rock oyster. We show you the best way to store oysters (in the refrigerator) and how you can tell whether your oysters are still edible.
Brief overview: shelf life and how to store oysters
- Eat the oysters as soon as possible after you purchase them; preferably within the first two days.
- Store the oysters in the refrigerator – the BioFresh Fish & Seafood safe provides the ideal conditions.
- The oysters must be stored horizontally with the convex side facing downwards.
- Do not store the oysters in water or in airtight containers.
- Avoid any contact between the oysters and other foods.
Brief overview: are your oysters still edible?
- The smell test: a live, edible oyster smells of seawater.
- The knock test: the shell is either closed or closes with a gentle tap.
- The reaction test: a live oyster will recoil when its flesh is pricked slightly.
- The weight test: live oysters weigh more than oysters that have lost their water.
The freshness test: are your oysters still edible?
Oysters are eaten while they are still alive. But how can you recognize whether this is still the case?
The smell test: a live, edible oyster smells of seawater. If the oyster smells different, unpleasant or very strong, it is no longer good.
The knock test: the shell of fresh, live oysters is usually closed. An open shell should close with a light tap, e.g. with a knife. If this is not the case, the oyster has probably already died and should no longer be eaten.
The reaction test: lightly prick the darker edge of the oyster with a knife. If it is still alive, it will recoil slightly. Alternatively, a squeeze of lemon will produce the same result.
The weight test: weigh your oysters. Live oysters weigh more than oysters that have lost their water and died.
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