On the half shell, baked, broiled, grilled, Rockefeller. These small yet versatile bivalves have been an integral part of our American culinary history for hundreds of years. Oysters may be a premium food item now, but once they were so plentiful their shells literally paved the streets of cities! In this episode, join Emily and Katie for a deep dive, or perhaps a dredge or rake, of all things oyster as they discuss the long history of oysters as a food source, their economic impacts, their role in some of the first American restaurants, the Oyster Wars, and even Oyster pirates!
What are oysters and where do we find them?
What role did oyster cellars play in the American restaurant scene?
Wait, there were actual wars over oysters!?!?
How do oysters impact the marine environments around us?
Why do some vegans make an exception and even a case for consuming oysters?
https://foodworthwritingfor.com/2018/07/31/the-history-of-oysters-its-rise-as-a-delicacy-and-a-staple-food-beloved-by-many/
https://www.fishersislandoysters.com/blog/2021/2/22/thomas-downing
https://www.nypl.org/blog/2011/06/01/history-half-shell-intertwined-story-new-york-city-and-its-oysters
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oyster_Wars
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancing_Molly
https://visualizingnyc.org/essays/the-mighty-mollusk-oyster-consumption-among-the-two-great-classes-of-society/
https://www.morningagclips.com/americas-oyster-craze/
https://www.agmrc.org/commodities-products/aquaculture/aquaculture-non-fish-species/oysters
https://vinepair.com/articles/map-oyster-regions-united-states/
https://spo.nmfs.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/pdf-content/MFR/mfr584/mfr5841.pdf
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/12/ill-have-them-with-hot-sauce-should-vegans-eat-oysters