4 Tips on Storing Oysters in the Fridge

Oysters have a fresh and unique taste, which is why they are so popular when it comes to seafood delicacies. But to preserve their freshness and flavour, and therefore avoid any food waste, proper storage and preservation is key. Read on for our four essential tips to maintaining their quality and safety when stored in your refrigerator.

1. Keep the shells intact

When storing oysters in the fridge, avoid shucking them first for optimal freshness. Depending on how fresh the oysters are when purchased, they have a shelf life of seven days, whereas shucked ones last for up to five days. In a similar vein, to avoid spoilage and bacterial growth, toss out any oysters whose shells are open, cracked or damaged before storing them.

While live oysters have a maximum shelf life of seven days when properly stored, it is still recommended that they be consumed within two days!

2. Ensure oysters are clean and fresh

As you’re checking your oysters for any cracks or other imperfections, be sure to sniff them for any foul odours and toss any that don’t pass the smell test. You must also rinse them under cold running water to remove any sand or dirt from the shells, so that they can maintain their quality and freshness throughout storage. Be sure to use an abrasive scrub brush to gently remove any stubborn debris or particles.

Dead or alive?

If you want to test and see if your live oysters are still alive, set aside any bivalves that have opened. Take a knife and tap the oyster shell. It’s still alive if it reactively snaps shut, and is therefore safe to consume. If it doesn’t snap shut, it’s dead. You can use this method for mussels and clams, too.

3. Choose an appropriate container

Proper moisture and airflow is key to maintaining freshness, so store the oysters in a container that fits this category. You can either place them in a tray or bowl covered with a damp cloth, or opt for a perforated storage container. Oysters should also be stored rounded side down, to keep them from losing their juices and thus drying out.

4. Maintain a consistently cold temperature

Oysters need to be kept cold until eaten, so make sure your refrigerator’s temperature is at approximately 4°C (40°F). Be sure to also store them in the coldest part of the fridge, which is in the back of the bottom shelf (air flows downwards and the back is the furthest away from the door, which is regularly opened and closed). Only take the oysters out when it’s time to shuck and serve them. If you have to keep them on the countertop, make sure they are always on ice.

For great oyster recipes and other related content, follow this link.