- Number 5: between 30 and 45 grams
- Number 4: between 46 and 65 grams
- Number 3: between 66 and 85 grams
- Number 2: between 86 and 110 grams
- Number 1: between 111 and 150 grams
- Number 0: over 151 grams
Onze oysters: the flat from Zealand
In the Netherlands you mainly see two types of oysters: the flat from Zealand and the “Zealand” Creuse. The Platte is originally European oyster and the Creuse was shipped from Japan to Zeeland by growers in the 1960s. The Zeeland Creuse is therefore also called the convex, wild or Japanese oyster. This oyster has been doing so well in our coastal areas ever since that it has largely displaced native oysters. The flat Zeeland oysters are much more sensitive and reproduce much more difficult. This results in a lower yield and therefore a higher price.
“In taste it distinguishes itself clearly from other oysters. With fuller, nutty notes and a long, soft salty aftertaste, it is typical of its kind. In Bistrot Neuf Amsterdam we serve classification number 3 with a delicious shallot vinaigrette and lemon.”
“French gastronomes already saw it in the 17th century: this meaty, sweeter oyster is still a pleasure on the table. Think of a glass of Champagne, a beautiful Chablis or fresh, crisp Loire and you will imagine yourself in France.”
Responsible delicacy
A true dream delicacy: the oyster fits into any diet! They are easily digestible and contain little fat or calories. The oyster is full of proteins and vitamins B12, B3 and D and they also contain zinc, magnesium and amino acid. This ensures a good metabolism and a healthy immune system. With a minimal environmental impact, you can count the oysters as a real superfood.
Transsexuel
The sex of the oyster is variable. Several times in his or her oyster life, the sex is adapted to the situation. For example, is an oyster male too small? Then as a female he has much more chances of survival. Such sex changes are far from rare in our animal kingdom. The well-known clown fish is a popular transsexual, but also snails, coral and bearded dragons.
Stimulation lust or not?
The first link between the oyster and sexual stimulation was made by the Roman emperor Aulus Vitellius. He is said to have eaten no less than 1,200 oysters during a dinner in the year 69 after Christ and conquer one woman after another. The really strong stories arose around Giacomo Casanova in the 18th century. The man who made history with his unquenchable libido.
“He ate them for breakfast and was known as a great womanizer. The oyster was crucial. Casanova said,” It is an incentive for the mind, the senses and the love. “
Ultimately, there has also been scientific evidence that the oyster is an aphrodisiac. It is very rich in a rare type of amino acid, which increases the level of the sex hormones. Zinc, proteins, fats, calcium and phosphorus also play a major role in stimulation and the formation of sperm cells. So it is a scientific fact that oysters are good for sex drive.
Our supplier
Our supplier Vis Plaza Urk fishes with one of the most modern boats in Europe. They also try to think that their nose is long and look at developments in the rest of the world. A fisherman in Urk still has great prestige and proudly tells our Urk fisherman Dirk that the ship is so modern and clean that you can eat from the ground in the engine room. “The best work there is”. The old-fashioned fishing boats are equipped with the most modern touchscreens and sonar equipment and are therefore much less harmful to nature. For example, dragging heavy chains across the bottom to “wake up” fish is a thing of the past and the use of Diesel has been greatly reduced.
Picking oysters yourself in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands you are allowed to collect 10 kilos per person per day, as long as it is for your own use. You can sign up for excursions along the entire coastline, but with a bag and a screwdriver in your pocket, you can go a long way. With Google Earth you can spot the dark spots along the coastline and at low tide you can get started. Make sure to stay away from locks and harbors. The oyster taste is mainly in what he eats, so in such places there will be much more pollution in the food and therefore the taste of the oyster. Find out here how to responsibly collect oysters.
At Bistrot Neuf in Amsterdam you can enjoy delicious French and Zealand oysters seven days a week. Very fresh from the exit, opened with love. We serve them raw, with chopped shallot in red wine vinegar and lemon.
