Oysters, commonly known as "hao," have a delicious flavor that is evident from the description in the classic story "My Uncle Jules." Some even say that eating raw oysters, or "raw oysters," is a unique delicacy that is second to none. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a warning on its official website, advising people not to eat raw oysters, as this seafood may be infected with the recently prevalent Norovirus.
So, should oysters be removed from our tables? No need to worry, because after being cooked, oysters no longer contain this virus. Whether for healthy individuals or those with weakened immunity, they can be eaten with confidence. The FDA also reminds people to eat all seafood thoroughly cooked to greatly reduce the risk of bacterial and viral infection.
Since eating raw oysters carries risks, how can they be cooked to be healthier and more delicious? And when purchasing, how can one select the best oysters? The following suggestions can help everyone prepare a delicious and healthy seafood feast:
1. When buying oysters, purchase those with completely closed shells; do not select those with shells that are already open.
2. If boiling, cook the oysters until the shells are fully open. It is best to boil them for another 3-5 minutes after the shells have opened.
3. If steaming, wait for the water to come to a full boil before adding the oysters. Once the shells are fully open, steam for an additional 4-9 minutes.
4. Also, during the steaming process, try to use a small pot and avoid using a large pot to cook too many oysters at once, as this may cause uneven heating, leaving some oysters undercooked.
5. Additionally, do not eat any oysters that fail to open during the steaming or boiling process.