In truth, there’s never a bad time to eat oysters, and by “oysters” I’m not talking fried, poached, or broiled. I’m talking those salty, delectable morsels served up on the half shell, plain or with lemon or with cocktail sauce. Few treats are as delectable. Legend says they’re not just tasty but a prelude to even better things to come.
But do you know when to have them?
Cape Cod lore says they’re best eaten in months that have an “R” in them. September, October, November, December, January, February, March…and April.
Interesting, isn’t it, that this wives tale corresponds with eating these hallowed shellfish only in the coldest months of the year?
May, June, July, and August, the hottest months of the year, are left out.
My guess is that this “myth” actually had its bearing in common sense: Don’t eat raw shellfish that’s been warming too long.
True or not, this Cape Codder always opts to have his oysters in months that have an “R” in them. Those old wives knew a thing or two!
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