The Oyster
At Huertos Marinos we grow the exquisite Pacific Oyster, also known as the Japanese Oyster.
Scientific Name: Previously called Crassostrea Gigas, today it is known as Magallenes Gigas , a species of bivalve mollusk belonging to the Ostreidae family.
Although this species is found throughout the Pacific coast, it is mostly cultivated on the coasts of colder waters such as those of Chile, the United States or Canada. In these countries, oysters grow larger the size of their shell due to the cold water, however they take longer to do so since there is less food (phytoplankton) than in the waters of the tropics.
Internal anatomy of the Pacific oyster
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Mantle and Shell: The mantle covers the body of the oyster and secretes the material to form its protective shell.
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Digestive system: From the mouth to the anus, this system processes the food ingested by the oyster, breaking it down and absorbing the nutrients necessary for its survival.
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Nervous System: Although simple, the oyster's nervous system coordinates essential bodily functions, transmitting signals between different parts of the body.
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Circulatory System: Allows the flow of hemolymph, a fluid similar to blood, transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout the body and eliminating waste.
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Respiratory System: The gills, with their fine laminar structures and cilia, allow the oyster to breathe by filtering oxygen from the surrounding water.
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Reproductive System: Oysters are hermaphrodites, meaning they have male (testicles) and female (ovaries) reproductive organs, allowing them to reproduce independently or cross-breed.
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Muscular System: The central abductor muscle controls the opening and closing of the shell valves, protecting and providing shelter to the oyster.
Nutritional Benefits
01.
Alto contenido nutricional
Magellanic gigas oysters are an excellent source of protein, vitamins and essential minerals such as zinc, iron and calcium .
02.
Bajo en calorías y grasas
They are a healthy option to include in your diet, since they are low in calories and fat. This makes them an ideal food for maintaining a healthy weight.
03.
Rich in fatty acids
Oysters are a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for cardiovascular and brain health.
04.
Promote bone health
Its high calcium (Ca) and vitamin D content helps strengthen bones and prevent diseases such as osteoporosis.
05.
Benefits for the skin
The zinc (Zn) present in oysters is known to promote skin health, helping to combat acne and other dermatological problems.
06.
Improve cognitive function
The omega-3 fatty acids present in oysters can improve cognitive function and help prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
07.
Boost the immune system
Its zinc (Zn) content and other essential nutrients strengthen the immune system, helping the body fight infections and diseases.
08.
Promote cardiovascular health
The omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients present in oysters may contribute on reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes.
09.
They promote hormonal health
The zinc (Zn) and other minerals present in oysters are important for regulating hormones in the body, which can have benefits for reproductive and hormonal health.
10.
Delicious and versatile
In addition to all their health benefits, Magallanes gigas oysters are delicious and can be prepared in a variety of ways, from raw to cooked, grilled or in gourmet recipes.
Why are they safe to consume?
We are committed to public health and guaranteeing product quality.
Phytotoxin Analysis
Algal blooms (or red tides) can be both harmless or harmful; those that are harmful cause poisoning to humans due to the consumption of bivalve mollusks (two shells) such as pianguas, oysters, clams, mussels, etc., that have been exposed to blooms of toxic algae.
UNA Plankton Laboratory monitors red tides throughout the Gulf of Nicoya and in the sites where oyster farms are located, so if the presence of high levels of toxic microalgae is detected, a notification is issued not to market oysters, until levels decrease again.
Product Safety
Oysters are water-filter feeders, so the water in which they are grown influences the bacterial levels for the sea creatures.
It is for this reason that the Marine Microbiology Laboratory, of the UNA Marine Biology Station, carries out constant monitoring of the culture sites; In addition, every oyster that is sold is subjected to a process known as “depuración” or purification, to eliminate possible microbial contaminants that they may have acquired in the environment.
Environmental monitoring
The Water Quality Laboratory of the Marine Biology Station (UNA) carries out monitoring throughout the year both in the Gulf of Nicoya and with sampling points in the places where the oyster farms are located. The purpose of this monitoring is to model the variations that occur over time and thus know the “health” of the ecosystem and determine the carrying capacity that the ecosystem has, so that the growth of oyster farming activity develops in an orderly manner, and don't go beyond the point where the ecosystem may begin to be affected where farms are located.
How to eat
an oyster
There are many ways to consume oysters.
The most popular way worldwide is to consume it fresh in its shell.
The connoisseur prefers them freshly opened.
Is important to remember the oyster stays alive for up to 6 to 10 days in the right conditions out of the water.
Care must be taken not to spill the sea water in which the oyster stays alive once removed from the ocean.
