Ostra Regal
Oyster FAQ
Everything you want to know about choosing, storing, opening and enjoying oysters.
How many oysters per person?
Count 6 oysters per person as an aperitif, 6 to 9 as a starter and 12 as a main course. The larger the grade, the fewer you serve. Details by occasion: www.ostraregal.com/journal/combien-d-huitres-par-personne
How do oyster grades (the numbers) work?
For cupped oysters, grades run from n°5 (smallest) to n°0 (largest): the lower the number, the bigger the oyster. Grade is a weight, not a quality. Ostra Regal comes mainly in n°2, 3 and 4. The full guide, with weight ranges: www.ostraregal.com/calibres-huitres-guide
What is the best season to eat oysters?
There is no best season: Ostra Regal is a triploid oyster, which never turns milky and can be enjoyed all year round, summer and winter alike. The "R months" rule (September to April) dates from before chilled transport. To understand where it comes from: www.ostraregal.com/quand-manger-des-huitres
How do I store fresh oysters?
Keep them flat, cupped side down, in a closed weighted basket, at the bottom of the fridge (about 5 °C). Best consumed within 7–9 days of leaving the water.
How do I open an oyster safely?
Protect the holding hand with a folded cloth, insert an oyster knife near the hinge, sever the muscle along the top shell, then lift it off. Discard the first liquor: a second one forms. The step-by-step guide: www.ostraregal.com/comment-ouvrir-une-huitre
What is "pousse-en-conche"?
It is a low-density farming method that gives the oyster a deep, well-formed shell and generous flesh. Ostra Regal grows pousse-en-conche in Bannow Bay (Ireland).
Brittany oyster vs Arcachon oyster — what's the difference?
Each growing area has its own profile, shaped by its waters, its climate and the grower's work — we do not pass judgement on other terroirs. What we can describe is our own: Ostra Regal is farmed in Ireland (Dundrum Bay, Bannow Bay), finished in the conche of Bannow Bay, then purified, graded and shipped from Cancale, in Brittany. Firm flesh and clean iodine.
What is oyster "milkiness"?
In warm months the natural oyster spawns: it fills with milt and turns "milky", with a harsher, more bitter taste. It is safe to eat, but these are not the oysters people like best. A triploid oyster, such as Ostra Regal, never turns milky.
Can you eat oysters while pregnant?
Eating raw oysters is not recommended during pregnancy (bacterial/viral risk). Cooked, they may be acceptable. If in doubt, consult a health professional.
Raw or cooked oysters?
Ostra Regal is best enjoyed raw, plain or with a squeeze of lemon. It also lends itself to warm preparations (gratinéed, poached) that reveal other aromas.
Where can I buy Ostra Regal oysters?
Directly online, from our shop at www.ostraregal.com/commander: home delivery across mainland France (excluding Corsica), delivered price, on the day you choose. In person, at our collection point (building 6, Les Nielles, Saint-Méloir-des-Ondes, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 1 pm) and at the Rocabey market in Saint-Malo on Thursdays and Saturdays. From our partner retailers and restaurants: www.ostraregal.com/nos-restaurants-partenaires. Professionals (restaurants, fishmongers): terms on request via the contact page.
Which wine pairs with oysters?
A dry, mineral white: Muscadet sur lie, Chablis, Sancerre, or a brut nature champagne. The acidity and minerality support the iodine without overpowering it.
How do I tell if an oyster is fresh?
A fresh oyster is heavy, tightly closed (or closes when tapped), full of clear liquor, and smells cleanly of iodine and sea.
Flat or cupped oyster — which is Ostra Regal?
Ostra Regal is a cupped oyster (Crassostrea gigas), the most common and plumpest type, with a deep shell shaped by pousse-en-conche.
How far in advance should I open oysters?
Open them at the last moment, ideally less than 30 minutes before serving, to preserve the liquor and freshness. Discard the first liquor and let the second re-form.
How do I present a fine oyster platter?
On a bed of crushed ice, optionally seaweed, with lemon wedges, shallot vinegar, rye bread and salted butter. Place oysters cup-side down to keep the liquor.
Are oysters high in calories?
No: about 65 kcal per 100 g. Oysters are rich in zinc, iron, omega-3 and vitamin B12, while low in fat.
Can oysters be frozen?
Not raw in the shell (texture is ruined). However, shucked oysters can be frozen for later cooked use (gratins, sauces).
Do you deliver oysters?
Yes. Our online shop (www.ostraregal.com/commander) delivers to your door anywhere in mainland France, excluding Corsica. The displayed price includes delivery, in a weighted basket under cold chain; you choose the delivery day by ordering the day before, before 4:30 pm. You can also collect your order at the house (Les Nielles, Saint-Méloir-des-Ondes). Professionals: terms on request via the contact page.
What sets Ostra Regal apart from other premium oysters?
Four years of farming, low-density pousse-en-conche on our Irish beds (Dundrum Bay, Bannow Bay), and purification and hand selection in Cancale: every oyster combines generous flesh, clean iodine and consistency.
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