Oysters...No, Really...

Okay - What did the oyster say when it walked into the bar? Give up? It didn't say anything, It was too sick from eating a sketchy raw oyster!!!

Oh how I wish that was a funny joke - mostly for your sake, but partially for my own dignity. In either case there is actually a lesson to be learned here (which I learned from visiting the site linked below)...apparently there is this bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus which occurs naturally in unpolluted seawater. This normally would not be too much of a concern (unless you have an open wound in the ocean), but when consuming uncooked oysters it can pose a larger issue for people who are at risk. I happen to be at risk since I have a family history of diabetes…in turn I have to be super careful when eating these buggers - I actually had no idea about this before this evening. The link above provides a comprehensive list of risk factors to consider before eating uncooked oysters.

The only reason I took the chance to write about this (somewhat random) topic is because I know quite a few people who go to oyster bars and consume uncooked oyster. Lesson learned – just be careful about what you consume. Visit Beoysteraware.com for more information, it is a truly a great resource. The site has information about Vibrio vulnificus, treating the bacteria, risk factors and even has some great oyster recipes! If you are looking for information about oysters or the risks related to consuming oysters...this is your site! I'm pretty sure you won't fine a more comprehensive source for information on this topic. They chose a specialty and stuck to it, so you can be sure this site has some good info. Don't be scared...just be informed next time you decide to chow down on some Gulf oysters!