Incorporating more seafood in your diet will keep you healthy. Oysters, for example, are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which protect heart health. Slurping down the creamy, salty mollusk is also fun, which is why the delicacy often makes an appearance at social gatherings. If you’re new to eating oysters, here are a few tips to make the experience more enjoyable.

3 Points to Know About Eating Oysters 

1. Fresh Oysters Smell Like Ocean Air

As soon as the oysters are served, conduct a freshness test. The seafood should have a mild, salty smell, similar to the breeze off the ocean. A pungent, unpleasant odor should be cause for concern.

Good oysters have a wet, slimy texture and are cold to the touch. Warm, dry shellfish should be tossed out.

Shells can crack during the harvesting and delivery process, and the impact can damage the mollusk inside. Contaminants can also get into the openings, so only eat the seafood when the shell is intact.     

2. The Shell Is Like a Spoon

Similar to bananas, oysters come with their own packaging. The seafood is typically served in a half shell, so you won’t have to get the juices on your fingers. When you pick up the shell, use a fork to dislodge the mollusk from the hard surface. When ready to eat, slurp the oyster into your mouth at the widest end of the shell, similar to eating with a spoon.

3. The Seafood Is Served With Various Sauces

To enhance the flavor, raw oysters are served with numerous sauces and garnishments. The tartness of red wine vinegar and shallots in mignonette sauce complements the salty mollusk taste, as does a squirt of lemon juice. A few dashes of hot sauce or horseradish shavings add a zesty bite.

If you’re visiting the island of Oahu or live in the community, get your fix for fresh, flavorful seafood like oysters at Cajun King Aiea. Located in the Waimalu Shopping Center in Aiea, HI, between Shiro’s and Palama Market, the locally owned oyster bar is known for its seafood boil dishes, which patrons have been savoring since the family restaurant opened in 2013. To learn more about the menu of Cajun cuisine, call (808) 484-2221. Browse the complete array of mouthwatering morsels online, and preview food photos on Facebook.