Oysters have been a favorite traditional staple for Savannahians for centuries.
Early Native American harvested oysters, subsisting on the plentiful bivalve populations in Lowcountry waters. At low tide, oysters can be seen rising from tidal saltmarsh creeks throughout the area. In fact, Savannah’s waters have some of the richest oystering areas along the Atlantic coast. A number of oyster canning factories once operated throughout the region.
One of the most traditional ways to eat oysters in Savannah is to steam several bushels in a communal oyster roast. First, rinse the oysters well to remove any excess dirt or mud. Then, build a fire under a thin sheet of metal or wire mesh. Dump the oysters over the sheet or mesh and cover them with a wet burlap bag. Soaked them well with water or even beer. The wet burlap steams the oysters until they pop open, which indicates they are ready to savor.
Shuck the hot oysters with an oyster knife. Dip them into drawn butter or cocktail sauce or simply enjoyed au natural. The briny flavor offer a delicious taste of the Coastal Empire. Plus, they contain lots of nutrients. One of the most nutritionally well-balanced foods, oysters contain protein, carbohydrates and lipids and are an excellent source of Vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin C and Vitamin D.
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