Oysters

[Champagne]

Somebody told me at the weekend that there are certain times of the year when you shouldn't eat oysters. Supposedly this is any month that doesn't have an 'r' in it (May to August).

Has anybody else heard this? And is it true?

[lafrancaise]

Yes, that's what we say in france anyway. The only thing about this time of the year is that the oysters are 'milky' a creamy blob in them of eggs.Personally, I don't like them when they're liike this but a lot of my friends from the coastal areas still eat them. They aren't dangerous but they're at their reproduction stage.

[Clanad]

It's also said that the European oyster is to blame because it holds its offspring (during summer) inside until they form tiny shells, making for gritty eats.... having not eaten one, I can't say for sure. They are eaten during the summer here in the U.S.

[Figi]

Lafrancaise is absolutely right about them being milky in the summer months but that has never stopped me consuming vast quantities of them in France from July to August - I've never had any ill effects.

[kent1928]

That was in the days when there was not good refrigeration . They are better in the cooler months because the waters are colder and they are larger. I eat them raw from all over the country any time of the year. You just have to know where they come from and how fresh they are.

[Champagne]

Thank you all.

Out of curiosity kent, where are the best oysters from then? Just so I know what to look for when I ask. Thanks.