10 Oyster Facts That Will Blow Your Mind

It’s no secret that we’re a little crazy about oysters. We love new ways to improve how oysters are grown, supporting the beautiful Chesapeake Bay to ensure a healthy habitat for them, and trying as many new oyster recipes as possible. However, oysters are actually pretty crazy themselves. They’re incredible creatures capable of rebuilding ecosystems, surviving harsh storms, fending off predators, and tons more. Here are a few surprising oyster facts to brag about at your next oyster roast, or whenever you feel like flexing a little oyster knowledge.

Oyster Facts: Did you know?

1. Oysters can change gender. They begin their lives as males, but as they grow older and larger, they can switch to being females. This process, known as protandry, allows oysters to maximize their reproductive potential.
2. Oysters can live for a very long time. Some oysters can live up to 100 years or more. The oldest recorded oyster was over 500 years old!
3. Oysters can help improve water quality. They are filter feeders, meaning they clean the water around them by consuming algae and other particles. In fact, a single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day.
4. Oysters have a unique flavor profile influenced by their environment. The taste and texture of oysters can vary depending on where they are grown and the types of nutrients and minerals they absorb from the water.
5.  People have used oysters as currency. In some areas of the 19th century, people used oysters as currency to trade for goods and services. Some workers even received oysters as payment for their labor.
6.  People have considered oysters an aphrodisiac for centuries. While there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, oysters have long been associated with romance and love. Casanova reportedly ate dozens of oysters daily to boost his virility, and the ancient Romans viewed oysters as a symbol of fertility and love.
7. Oysters can survive out of water for a surprisingly long time. Their ability to close their shells tightly allows oysters to stay alive for up to two weeks outside of water, as long as they are kept cool and moist.
8. Oyster reefs provide important habitats for other marine species. Oysters can create complex reef structures that provide shelter and food for many other creatures, including fish, crabs, and birds.
9.  People have used oyster shells for a variety of purposes throughout history.  People use oyster shells as building materials, for road construction, and even as chicken feed. Additionally, water treatment plants employ oyster shells to remove pollutants.
10. There are over 100 different species of oysters. The most commonly consumed species is the Pacific oyster, but there are many others, including the Olympia oyster, the European flat oyster, and the Easter oyster. Where they are grown determines each species' unique flavor and texture.