Its oyster eating time of year

The Florida Department of Agriculture is putting out the word that this is the perfect time of year to enjoy Florida's famous oysters.  

Even though oysters are harvested year-round, the cool months are when oysters taste the best.  

Oysters are among Florida's top commercial seafood products in terms of dockside value, with last season's harvest totaling over $6 million.  

Ninety percent of Florida's oysters are harvested in Apalachicola Bay, one of the most productive estuaries in the country.  

Oysters grow quickly in the Apalachicola Bay and can reach market size in less than two years.  

Farther north, in colder waters, this process might take up to six years.

Oysters are also highly nutritious.  

They are a low-calorie, low-cholesterol source of protein; an exceptional source of zinc, which strengthens the immune system; and a prime source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to reduced risk of heart attack, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and stroke.

Of course, people with compromised immune systems should avoid eating raw oysters due to the possible presence of Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium that occurs naturally in marine waters.  

Vibrio vulnificus is not a threat to most healthy people, but it can be deadly to people with certain medical conditions, including liver disease, diabetes, and cancer.

The department of Agriculture has also released a list of easy to make and tasty oyster recipes.

We’ve posted the list on the news page at oysterradio.com.

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