There are basic skills that every gentleman or woman need to know and how to shuck an oyster is one of them. Despite it being a somewhat daunting task, it is one that comes in handy especially in certain romantically planned moments.

The Oyster: An Aphrodisiac

Cooked or raw, oysters have been considered both a delicacy and a potent aphrodisiac for thousands of years. According to the legend, the term aphrodisiac came from the Greek goddess Aphrodite, who had come from the sea by an oyster and then given birth to the god Eros. People have paid dearly for these bits of delicacy. Even the ever civilized Romans paid countless gold pieces for them.

It has been a belief for hundreds of years that eating such an aphrodisiac will increase your libido. As a matter of fact, eating oysters actually does affect your desire. They contain a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which affects your brain activity and influences your sexual desire.

Nutritional Value of Oysters

Oysters are a naturally great source of iron and calcium, as well as two important vitamins, A and B₁₂. They are also known to be high in amino acid content, and possess zinc, which in turn is known to increase the production of testosterone.

While oysters are low in general food energy, they have a good shelf life. However, their taste is best when fresh. Experts also say that eating this aphrodisiac raw is the healthiest way to go.

Steps to Shuck an Oyster

While some restaurants bring out their oysters already shucked, there is no harm in learning how to do it yourself. It is a useful skill when you find yourself alone and with a special someone. Here are the steps on how to shuck an oyster:

1. First get an oyster knife and a towel.
2. Wrap one hand in a towel—the hand you will hold the oyster in.
3. Unless you are confident enough to simply hold the oyster in your hand, hold the oyster down flat on the table.
4. Insert the knife into a space just next to the hinge of the oyster shell, the pointiest end of the oyster.
5. Twist the knife. The hinge should pop open.
6. Run the knife all along the seam of the oyster to the end opposite of the hinge. Some oysters don’t give away at first so it may take some continuous wiggling.
7. Twist the knife once again to separate both parts of the shell.
8. Cut through the muscles that hold the insides to the shell by running the knife through it, while trying not to spill anything inside.
9. Slurp the oyster straight from the shell or use a fork.

Pieces of Advice to Keep in Mind

Knowing how to shuck an oyster is easy, but it takes some time to perfect it. Once you have the basic “how to” down, it is a simple case of practicing the skill before attempting to show it off. It also helps to keep these pointers in mind when you shuck an oyster:

• Go slowly, as you might damage or spill the oyster.
• Be careful in how you hold the oyster or you might cut yourself.
• Be cautious in how you twist the knife, as you don’t want to end up with your oyster in little pieces.

Even an aphrodisiac has its sell-by-date. Make sure your oyster is fresh before serving.