Like other types of shellfish, oysters are living organisms that must be stored under suitable conditions in order to avoid not so much spoilage of the product as its physical death. You can eat raw only fresh and canned oysters, frozen ones are subject to mandatory culinary processing.
Instructions
Step 1
Before preparing oysters for storage, it is worth separating live specimens from dead ones. A live oyster is heavy, as it is full of juice (liquor), the flaps are tightly closed or slammed when you tap on the shell with the handle of a knife, as well as when you press them. Live oysters with broken shells must either be eaten within the next 24 hours, or cleaned and frozen.
Step 2
How to store oysters in shells Place the oysters in a wide shallow container with the large flap at the bottom. Place a damp towel on top. Store oysters in the refrigerator at a temperature between +1 ° C and + 4 ° C. Sprinkle water on the towel regularly. Thus, oysters can be stored for 5 to 7 days. Never close live oysters in an airtight container - they will simply suffocate. Do not store live oysters immersed in fresh water - it is not suitable for them. Fresh oysters can be served on crushed ice, but not stored.
Step 3
How to store peeled oysters Peeled live oysters can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, provided they are kept in their own liquid (liquor). In order to prepare the shellfish for such storage, you will need to rinse them, peel them, separate the so-called "beard". When opening the oyster, drain the juice into a separate container and dip the peeled oyster in the same container. Fresh liqueur is transparent, with a pleasant fresh sea smell. Cloudy juice with a sour smell is a sign that the oyster is dead and spoiled. Do not use liquor or shellfish meat.
Step 4
How to Freeze Oysters It is very easy to freeze peeled oysters in their own juice. It is enough to cut the meat, distribute it in zip bags or special containers, pour the liquid so that it completely covers the oysters and seal. If there is not enough liquor to cover the whole meat, add a little water. Frozen oysters can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. These oysters must be cooked and never re-frozen.
Step 5
How to store canned oysters Pasteurized and canned oysters are stored according to the expiration date printed on the jar. Opened pasteurized oysters can be stored for no more than 2 days, canned oysters - up to a week.
