How to Store Shucked Oysters

Store shucked oysters properly to prevent bacteria from growing.

Edible oysters belong to the Ostreidae family and include pacific, olympia, eastern and wellfleet varieties. Oysters store best in the refrigerator when they are live in their shells. If you cannot store them in their shells, then you can store them in the refrigerator or freezer to keep them fresh. You can eat freshly shucked oysters raw or cooked, but you need to store shucked oysters at the proper temperature to prevent food-borne illnesses.

Things You'll Need

• Airtight containers

Instructions

Refrigerator

1. Set your refrigerator to 35 degrees F or lower.

2. Store the shucked oysters in an airtight container. Cover the oysters with cold water.

3. Secure the lid on the container.

4. Store the oysters in the coldest part of your refrigerator for seven to 10 days.

Freezer

1. Place the shucked oysters in an airtight freezer container. Cover the oysters with water.

2. Secure the lid on the container tightly.

3. Place the oysters in the freezer. Ensure that they remain at a temperature of 0 degrees or lower. Use the oysters within three to six months.

Tips & Warnings

• Thaw the oysters in the refrigerator.

• Never store oysters at temperatures above 40 degrees.

References

• Safe Oysters: Safely Storing Oysters and Other Molluscan Shellfish
• Maryland Seafood: Answers to Commonly Asked Questions About Oysters