Fresh oysters are a whole food, secure in Mother Nature's own brilliant packaging, and they pack plenty of goodness. Shucking oysters need not intimidate especially with expert tips from the pros themselves. Read about Warren's recent oyster shucking trip to Mahurangi where he spent the day on a barge with Lisa and Andrew Hay (otherwise known as Nod, Skipper or The Oysterman) on their Pacific oyster farm in the Mahurangi River.
Step 1
The easiest way to shuck a pacific oyster is through the side. Place the oyster down, so it is sideways on with the flat shell up and hold the back hinge down with a tea towel. Screw the knife until it separates the top and bottom shells.
Step 2
Holding the oyster, push down on the knife, ripping the top muscle and pushing the top shell up.
Step 3
Scrape the muscle off the top shell and remove top shell. Take care to pour off the liquor first if you are using it.
Step 4
Carefully remove the oyster from the bottom shell. Practice makes perfect, so start shucking today.
