The oysters should be good for at least 5-7 days from despatch, provided they are stored in a cool, dry area or fridge. Do not store in water or on ice.
Oysters have been cultivated in the Blackwater estuary since roman times and the Maldon Oyster Company was formally established in 1960. Since then the company has flourished, and currently manages an area of 3500 acres of the Blackwater River. Ongoing investment in new stocks ensures we are cultivating several million oysters at any given time – establishing Maldon Oysters as one of the largest producers in the UK.
From our oyster beds at Goldhanger Creek through to our state of the art depuration and packing plant in Cock Clarks, our oysters, mussels and clams are thoroughly cared for until the point they are served to you.
Oysters have been cultivated in the Blackwater River since Roman times. Generations of Maldon oystermen have gone before us, and the only implements we use are our hands.
The oysters should be good for at least 5-7 days from despatch, provided they are stored in a cool, dry area or fridge. Do not store in water or on ice.
All our oysters are depurated for at least 42 hours before being individually inspected and hand packed. The golden rule is your oysters must be firmly shut before shucking.
Depuration is the process whereby shellfish are placed into a large tank for a specified length of time to ensure they are safe to eat. During depuration seawater is set to flow at a certain rate and filtered through UV lights. Our facility at Cock Clarks is the only depuration plant in the UK to use ozone to further assist with the eradication of bacteria, viruses and toxins.
The following video demonstrates how to safely shuck an oyster at home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_YPxcF1ta4
Swallowing the oyster without chewing after you have drowned it in various condiments is definitely not recommended!
The pleasure of an oyster in the half shell is the essence of its origin. Therefore, the first oyster should be eaten unadorned. The morsel should be chewed a little to release all the flavour.
After the first one, experimentation with lemon juice, Tabasco, pepper, or even salsa to name a few, can begin!
Yes and no... there is no direct scientific evidence linking oysters to increased arousal or sex drive, but they are incredibly nutritious! Rich in Omega-3, Zinc, Copper, Vitamin B12, Iron, Vitamin D and Iodine – Zinc is used in the production of testosterone which explains why oysters are often cited as having aphrodisiacal properties! Oysters are also recognised as a natural anti-depressant.
Look no further than the recently published ‘Oyster Isles: A Journey Through Britain and Ireland's Oysters’ by Maldon’s very own Bobby Groves. Bobby is a born-and-bred oysterman, currently Head of Oysters at London’s prestigious Chiltern Firehouse. His delightful book is a must read for any budding or serious oyster connoisseur!
Available on Amazon and Google books to name a few!