How to store Oysters
Follow the steps below to store fresh oysters.
Step 1
Open the box of oysters and check that the shells are closed and unbroken.
Step 2
Do not shuck your oysters before storing. Oysters taste best when you shuck them immediately before eating them. In addition, keeping oysters in their shells makes them easier to store and reduces the chance that they’ll go bad.
Step 3
Place your oysters on a tray so that the deeper side faces down, a technique that will help them better retain their juices.
Step 4
Cover the oysters with a damp - not wet - tea towel or cloth. Check to make sure the tea towel or cloth remains damp while the oysters are stored in the fridge.
Step 5
Place the tray in the fridge on the bottom shelf - they do not want to be too cold. The fridge temperature should not be lower than 4 degrees; ideally between 4 and 8 degrees.
Tap Test
Oysters should be closed and unbroken. However, oysters can open slightly while in transit or stored in the fridge (this is normal). If any oyster has opened, simply tap the oyster firmly on the bench and it should close. If the oyster closes when tapped, it means the oyster is fresh and fine to consume. Discard any oyster that does not close when tapped, or has a broken or cracked shell.
Best before
For the freshest oysters, store in the fridge as described above, and consume within 5 days of dispatch. The dispatch date can be found on the separate dispatch label included in the box with your order.