We take you on a salty adventure. Read the recipe below and be amazed... at Op Oost.
What do you need?
- Rubber boots
- Oyster knife
- Small knife or scissors
- Bottle opener
- Tea towel
- Basket
- White wine
- Glasses
Ingredients
- Oysters from the Texel Wadden Sea
- Salty foraged plants such as samphire, sea fennel, sea kale, and seaweed
Preparation
- We gather oysters during the months with an 'r'.
- Check the tide table for low tide.
- Skip the beaten path, head to Oost, and marvel at the vast emptiness of the Wadden Sea.
- Take a moment to stand still and enjoy the view when you arrive at the Old Oyster Harbor in Oost. The salty sea air, the fresh breeze, and an endless horizon.
- Don’t forget to dress for the occasion. Boots on, oyster knife in your pocket, and the salty adventure can begin.
Gathering & Picking
Gather the oysters from the Wadden Sea and place them in your basket. Always make sure they are still closed and don't sound hollow when you tap them. To complete the salty adventure, you can also pick various salty plants along the dike. These are deliciously fresh with the Wadden oyster. Think of samphire, sea fennel, and sea kale. You can find seaweed in the water pools between the stones of the dike, such as the reddish-brown bladderwrack. These are wonderfully salty, crunchy, and soft in taste.
Opening Oysters
Opening an oyster can be tricky at first, but keep going, you’ll be rewarded! Place the shell in the tea towel with the flat side up. Take the oyster knife and carefully insert it into the hinge between the two shell halves. Gently wiggle the oyster knife in and twist to open the oyster shell. Make sure to hold the oyster horizontally and separate the shell halves. You can then loosen the oyster, making it easier to taste later. Ensure no grit remains. If necessary, wipe it out of the shell with your finger or the oyster knife.
Salty Tasting
It's time to taste the harvest. Don’t forget to pour yourself a glass of wine first; it makes the experience complete. Place some salty plants and seaweed on the oyster to taste and take a big bite, all at once. Take a sip of the wine and look up. Enjoy and be amazed by the emptiness of the Wadden Sea…