After looking at an oyster--the slimy, salty gray blob--many people find it amazing that anyone would think to eat it. However, it is a popular type of seafood that many diners would say is delicious despite its appearance.
Appearance
Oyster shells are oval or pearl shaped with a light gray exterior and a pearl colored interior. The oyster itself is soft, gray and wet.
How They Feed
Oysters pull in water through their gills to breathe, from which they extract algae and other food particles to eat.
Raw Oysters
Oysters are usually eaten raw, "on the half shell." This means they are served with the top shell removed with the oyster sitting in the bottom shell. Most people eat the oyster by tipping the shell so the oyster slides into their mouth.
Other Methods
Oysters can be cooked in a variety of ways as well, such as frying, grilling or putting them in a stew.
Edible Breeds
Popular edible breeds of oyster are the Eastern American Oyster and the Pacific Oyster.
Pearls
Though it is common knowledge that oysters produce pearls, it is a rare occurrence to find a pearl in an oyster you are eating. Pearl oysters are in a different family group.
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