How to read the grades
For cupped oysters, grades run from n°5, the smallest, to n°0, the largest: the lower the number, the heavier the oyster. A grade is a weight, not a quality: a small oyster can be as exceptional as a large one.
Why a spéciale is not graded like a fine
A spéciale oyster is meatier than a fine. At equal weight it therefore looks smaller to the eye.
That is why oyster farmers customarily grade spéciales up: for the same number, a spéciale is heavier than a fine. A spéciale n°3 can thus weigh as much as a fine n°2. The n°3+ is a grade specific to spéciales, between n°3 and n°2.
Large oysters: cooking, tartare and barbecue
N°1 and n°0 are ideal for cooking. They also suit preparations such as an oyster tartare with beef, sea bass or sea bream. And they are the best for barbecued oysters.
How many to plan?
Count 6 oysters per person for the aperitif, 6 to 9 as a starter, 12 as a main. The larger the grade, the fewer you serve.