Style -- 19 hours ago
How to… Shuck an Oyster with Robin Hancock
Robin Hancock is the founder of Wright Brothers, the oyster specialist and restaurateur has shucked his fair share of Oysters. As one of the UK’s most respected seafood wholesalers, Wright Brothers is in the unique position of being able to source oysters directly from its own Duchy Oyster Farm, part of the private estate of HRH The Prince of Wales on the Helford River in Cornwall. Robin and his brother-in-law, Ben Wright, founded Wright Brothers in 2002.
He believes that every gentleman should know how to shuck an Oyster. It looks very impressive but Robin believes it is quite simple once you know how. Here he offers you a step-by-step of everything you need to know for the perfect oyster experience.
WHAT EQUIPMENT YOU’LL NEED, An Oysters knife, a lot of ice and a cavalier attitude. Although one can buy a chain mail glove, a thick tea towel is as effective, to guard your hand.
CHOOSING YOUR OYSTER?, Make sure it’s from a reputable supplier. There are two types of oysters, the pacific and native, the pacific are slightly meatier but native are a popular choice amongst Oyster fans, so the choice is yours.
STORING YOUR OYSTERS, It may seem obvious but don’t forget to store them in a fridge. Also treat them with delicacy, lay them out with the cup down, this helps to stop the natural liquid which keeps them fresh from escaping., Before you begin shucking, discard any with gapping shells.
HOW TO SHUCK?, – Wrap the tea towel around the hand to hold the oyster (If you’re right handed, your left) and rest it on a solid surface. Hold the cupped lower end in your palm., – With the pointed bit of the oyster, the hinge, pointing towards your, – Insert the blade carefully into the gap located at the hinge and push it downward before wiggling it until you feel it give a little., – Twist the blade clockwise and you should feel a click to signal the hinge has broken, – Slide the blade alongside the inside shell – to cut the remaining muscle, – Remove the top shell, – Finally, slide the knife under the flesh to cut the muscle attached to the lower shell.
HOW CAN YOU TELL IT’S GOOD TO EAT?, Once you have opened the oyster check that there is a lot of liquid and check that it smells of the sea.
HOW TO SERVE, Classically Oysters are served plain or with a squeeze of lemon. Other well-known serving suggestions include tabasco or Shallots in red wine vinegar.
And finally, enjoy and discover how satisfying shucking can be!
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