No, it’s not a
new computer fantasy game, we’re talking about oysters – also known as sea
aphrodisiacs, Ostrea edulis in Latin or kamenicama in Croatian. These world
renowned delicacies come from a small bay near Dubrovnik, that has become a
destination for the true gourmand.
Oysters
Love or Hate | “How hungry did the first person to eat that have to be?”
This
interesting question was actually posed in the pages of National Geographic. Few
dishes can rival the raw oyster for unpalatable appearance and general “ick”
factor.
If
undaunted by the oyster’s rough, rocky, nearly-impossible-to-open shell, the
undoubtedly famished first taster would then have confronted the gray, slimy
appearance of its plump body. Once beyond any primal gag reflex though, this
seminal slurper would have been surprisingly rewarded with the oyster’s
delicate, toothy texture, rich flavour, and salty liquor.
Or
not? The very taste of raw oysters is one of those flavours people simply love
or hate. Rarely can you hear someone say “oh well, they’re kinda OK, nothing
special”.
We
are on the love side and particularly like how American TV
chef and author Anthony Bourdain described his first oyster experience:
“I remember it like I remember losing my virginity, and in many ways more fondly. It tasted of seawater ... of brine and flesh … and of the future. Everything was different now. My brother’s expression of unrestrained revulsion … reinforced the sense that I had somehow become a man.”
Admittedly, they’re not for everyone, but
adventurous humans the world over have enjoyed oysters, raw and cooked, for
thousands of years, benefiting also from their high calcium, iron, and protein content.
Love | Or at least if you decide to give them a try
Oyster
aficionados agree that a good oyster must be served cold, fresh (look for white
to gray colour), preferably be medium in size, tender and juicy. Oysters are best
when opened right out of the sea, sprinkled with lemon juice, and followed by a
sip of wine.
Rare
and exotic, such highly prized delicacies are often a luxury available to the
lucky few, unless you’re vacationing in Dubrovnik!
Mali
Ston, a small bay about 45 minutes drive north of Dubrovnik is one of the few
remaining places in the Mediterranean that still has water clean and clear enough,
along with an unique set of favourable hydrological conditions to support
oyster farming.
Oysters
have been harvested in Ston since the Roman times. Their prime time is beginning
of March, traditionally starting with the festivity of St. Joseph, when they
are the fullest, but can be enjoyed fresh throughout the entire summer.
The
simplest way to join the hedonistic club of oyster aficionados is to drive up
to Ston and wait on the one of the piers for
growers to return from their oyster beds. Better yet, pair oysters with some
octopus salad or black shellfish risotto at one of the local restaurants.
A
small half-day tour with a private transfer to the area starts from €240. For more information please contact our
Adriatic Luxury Services at als@als.hr
While in the area …
While it is a common
belief that oysters are best paired with champagne, we beg to
differ! Wine is the natural companion to oysters. So since you are
already in the Peljašac wine growing region, use this opportunity to
discover one of the many wine tours the area has to offer – here is an ALH suggestion.
Also visit:
- Ston City Walls – one of the best kept secrets - the longest complete fortress system around a town in Europe – in fact second after the Great Wall of China.
- Ston Salt Works – sea salt gathering facilities that date back to the period of Dubrovnik Republic and still operate as 500 years ago.