Oyster Tasting Guide

Things You Need To Know About Oyster Tasting 

Different oysters suit different occasions and different preferences. If you haven’t been impressed by oysters yet, you might have been trying the wrong ones. This Oyster Tasting Guide will help you discover the wonderful world of oysters.

You might dislike the brininess of West Mersea oysters but adore the sweetness of Duchy specials. You might prefer bold, tangy oysters with a hint of zinc. Or maybe that’s not your taste at all.

Perhaps you didn’t realise that oysters could have such diverse flavors. This guide aims to showcase the wide range of flavours that oysters can offer.

Instead of ordering a dozen or half-dozen of the same type, why not try a variety of oysters and discover your preferences?

Check out Today’s Oysters available from our Fish Bar.

Today's Oysters

‘Rocks’ and ‘Flats’?

In the UK, there are two main types of oysters that are widely enjoyed. The Pacific oyster, also known as the rock oyster, is available all year round. On the other hand, the native oyster, also called the flat oyster, is typically available from September to April.

Why do oysters taste so different?

Oysters eat by filtering water through their system – a single oyster can filter up to 10 litres of water per hour. The taste of oysters is influenced by the minerals, saltiness and the type of algae they consume in the water. Similar to wine, oysters derive much of their taste from their environment.

Salt is often the dominant taste in oysters because they absorb the saltiness of their surroundings, which can vary from almost fresh to completely salty. A fully salty oyster will have a very briny taste, while oysters from areas with low salinity may taste milder, almost buttery.

How to ‘taste’ an oyster

Tasting an oyster is similar to tasting wine. We recommend chewing your oyster a bit and letting some air in to allow the flavours to fully develop on your palate.

Flavour: Ranges from very light (1) to full and punchy (9).
Saltiness: Ranges from neutral (1), hardly any salt to briny (9). 
Sweetness: Ranges from neutral (1), to strong and very sweet (9). 
Umami:* Ranges from mild (1), to very strong (9). 

*Umami, derived from the Japanese term for “the essence of deliciousness,” is recognised as the fifth taste category, distinct from the familiar quartet of sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. Umami is best described as savoury. It’s what lends a meaty taste to dishes like chicken broth and soy sauce.

Enjoying Your Oysters at Home? 

While you’re more than welcome to join us at our Fish Bar to enjoy today’s oysters and chat with our Fishmongers about the wonderful flavours oyster have. You’re just as welcome to pick up some oysters from the counter or a platter of our house Lindisfarne Oysters to enjoy at home. And don’t worry about shucking, we’ve a handy guide to help you through it. 

Oyster Shucking Guide

Find Out More

Looking to take your oyster tasting to the next level? The Oyster Master Guild has some excellent resources and courses for oyster enthusiasts, oyster sommeliers, oyster shuckers, oyster growers – basically oyster lovers of all kind.