Oysters are one of the world’s most iconic foods. There are many different varieties, each with their own unique taste; some people even like the texture of the meat! Few foods have achieved the status of an ‘idol’ as quickly as oysters. If you’re searching for the ultimate culinary treasure, it’s likely that you’ll come across references to oysters whenever you visit social media.
What exactly is it about oysters that makes them so popular? Let’s take a quick look at how this mollusk is ranked #3 on the list of most popular foods worldwide and the fastest growing food trend in the US.
The Rise In Popularity
It’s well reported that seafood sales grew by 14.2% in 2019, reaching $128 billion worldwide. In the United States, seafood sales reached $18.5 billion in 2019, a figure that’s projected to hit nearly $27 billion in 2022.
With climate change and sea contamination becoming major issues, it’s not surprising that people are seeking healthier options. Many restaurants and food businesses have responded by offering dishes made with cage-free and environmentally-sustainable seafood. While there’s no denying that farmed fish don’t taste the same as their wild cousins, there’s also no denying that they’re far more abundant and, as a result, much cheaper.
Why Are Americans In Love With Oysters?
It’s not only in the United States that people are rediscovering the pleasures of an oyster. According to Oyster Lover, a website that focuses on reviewing the best places to eat an oyster in the world, Florida, Massachusetts, and Maryland are holding the top 3 spots as favorite places for people to indulge in this delicious delicacy.
Each of these states have something unique to offer when it comes to oysters – from the way they are harvested and served to the types of liquor they are cooked in. With spring right around the corner, now’s a great time to explore your state’s favorite seafood restaurant.
The Best States For Eating Oysters
Let’s not waste any more time – where should you go to eat the best oysters in the world? We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 states for eating oysters, based on the overall quality and variety of the mollusks, as well as the ambiance and atmosphere at the restaurants. This is the ultimate guide to eating your favorite mollusk in the USA.
Top 10 States For Eating Oysters
Florida – Everglades National Park
Located in the southern part of the state, this park is a Unesco World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. The park is home to numerous endangered species, including the American alligator, the largest freshwater reptile in the world. The Everglades also contain the largest freshwater coral reef in the northern hemisphere. Fishing is very restricted in the park due to the threat of overfishing.
The best part of the Everglades for visitors is the variety of native plants and animals that can be spotted along the trails. While it can be difficult to make a move without running into another human being or a tourist bus, this is still one of the best places to get away from it all and forget about your busy day. At night, the nocturnal wildlife becomes active and you’ll be able to spot great white sharks, alligators, and even panthers in search of food.
In honor of the park’s environmental importance, entry fees are waived for veterans and students with ID. Additionally, some species of fish, such as the giant amberjack and the barracuda, are now endangered as a result of overharvesting.
Florida Keys – Islands And Shoreline
Most people associate Florida with sunny beaches and amusement parks, but the state also has some of the most beautiful islands surrounded by water. Some of these islands are even part of the US Coast Guard’s marine safety patrol. The chain of islands that make up the Florida Keys is an important breeding ground and nursery for sea creatures, especially fish. The largest of these islands is called Key Largo, and it’s surrounded by smaller ones, including Big Pine Key, which is accessible via ferry from the mainland.
The islands are connected to the mainland by a causeway, and there are several beautiful beaches, dunes, and seafood restaurants located along this route. Due to their strategic location between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Keys are heavily used by scuba divers looking for wrecks and coral reefs to explore. There are also plenty of places where you can catch some waves, perfect for surfing fans.
California – The Beaches
Although it might not seem like it based on its geography, California is actually one of the best states for eating oysters. It’s home to over 140 miles of coastline – more than any other state – and the variety of bivalves is amazing. In fact, the California Coast is one of the best places to be if you’re a shellfish fan.
There are two major types of oysters found along the California Coast: the Pacific oyster and the interior oyster. The former is typically associated with the cold waters of the North Pacific Ocean, while the latter is popular around San Francisco Bay. The geography of the state lends itself well to the growing of oysters, as the wet climate is generally conducive to their cultivation. Additionally, the San Francisco Bay area is home to a large number of restaurants that specialize in serving the bivalve delicacies to their patrons.
Massachusetts – The Islands
Like many other Northeastern states, Massachusetts is very scenic, with some of its best coastline located in the form of islands. The largest of these islands is called Martha’s Vineyard, and it’s surrounded by smaller ones, including Nantucket. This island group is famous for its scenic beaches and its fishing boats that are tied up at docksides all year long. You’ll find numerous restaurants and bars located along these docks, serving everything from fish sandwiches to caviar blinis and steak tartare.
The Vineyard’s beaches are actually located on clay islands, which the locals call ‘dunes’. It’s important to note here that these are different from the more famous – and certainly more abundant – dunes located along the Southern Ocean Coast. The islands are surrounded by a shallow saltwater swamp, which is a great habitat for fish and wildlife. In fact, there are many endangered and protected species that can be found in this unique ecosystem. As you might expect, camping, kayaking, and canoeing are among the most popular activities on the islands, especially during the summer months. However, one of the most picturesque towns on the entire East Coast is located here: Cape Cod. With its cobbled streets, yellow mustard banners, and brightly painted houses, it’s truly is a gem.
New York – The Harbor
The most populous state in the United States certainly has a lot to offer when it comes to seafood, and one of the best places to indulge in this delicious food is actually right in the middle of the city. The Harbor, located in the northern part of the city, is the place to be if you’re a seafood lover. There’s a reason why the area is nicknamed ‘Graveyard of the Atlantic’.
The variety of fish and shellfish that can be caught here is incredible. Some of the restaurants have been serving seafood for over 100 years, and there are still plenty of places to try the delicious local product. One of the most popular dishes is the classic fish stew, but the area is full of variety when it comes to seafood. You might want to try the lobster, the crayfish, or the Dungeness crab, which is considered the Cadillac of crabs. The only downside to this location is that the area is often congested, resulting in longer waits for diners.
Overall Reviews For This Location
According to Yelp, the overall review score of the locations listed here ranges from 3.8 to 4.7 out of 5 stars – not bad considering that some of these places are over 100 years old! It looks like people are still talking about these delicious seafood meals and trying to land a deal on the phone, as some of the restaurants here have seen a spike in business since the pandemic.
It’s quite an amazing culinary feat that these restaurants were able to garner such praise and popularity while operating during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history. It’s not only because of their seafood, but also because of the history that these places must have witnessed – and perhaps even helped shape.