The correct way to start oysters is to follow these steps:
1. Prepare tools: Prepare a sharp oyster knife and a clean cloth or glove to protect your hands from scratches.
2. Positioning the opening: Place the oyster on a stable plane, observe the head or side gap of the oyster, and find a position that is easy to insert the oyster knife.
3. Insert and pry open: American technique: Insert the tip of the oyster knife into the gap in the oyster's head, gently pry open a small opening upwards. Then, slide the tip of the knife towards the side of the oyster and continue prying until the oyster shell loosens. After touching the oyster meat on the side, carefully cut open the muscles connecting the oyster meat and the shell to fully open the oyster shell. French technique: Another method is to insert the tip of the knife about 3 centimeters to the right of the oyster, pry it a few times, and feel the oyster shell loosen before prying it open. International customary technique: Place the oysters in an oyster dish, quickly insert the tip of the knife into the head of the oyster, and then quickly swipe towards the side to pry open the oyster shell. This action needs to be quick and accurate to avoid leaving broken shells on the oyster meat.
4. Cleaning oysters: After prying open the oyster shell, rinse the oyster meat with purified water to remove impurities and broken shells inside the shell.
5. Enjoying oysters: Remove the oyster meat from the shell and enjoy it directly or with condiments such as sauce and lemon juice according to personal taste.
During the process of opening oysters, it is important to keep your hands stable to avoid injury caused by the oyster knife sliding. At the same time, choose fresh oysters and store them correctly to ensure safe consumption and taste.