Trail Blog

May 12, 2011

Like a Local » Louisiana Oysters

Among the varied fruits of the sea that come from Louisiana waters, oysters are a favorite of many. These tasty bivalves have a reputation of flaming the fans of love, but they actually do offer health benefits too. For example, oysters are high in zinc, an antioxidant that helps repair cells.

Available year-round, they are at their peak between late November and May. It can be a bittricky to shuck an oyster, but LouisianaSeafood.com has a step-by-step guide for novices. A tip: If, when you tap the shell with a knife, it closes, the oyster is fine for you to eat. If it doesn’t, trash it.

Order a dozen raw at Acme Oyster House or try the charbroiled specialties at Drago’s in New Orleans. Or sample them almost every way imaginable at the Second Annual New Orleans Oyster Festival coming up June 4–5. Learn more at  neworleansoysterfestival.org.