We'll take you on a salty adventure. Read the recipe below and prepare to be amazed... on Oost.
What do you need?
- Wellington boots
- Oyster knife
- Small knife or scissors
- Bottle opener
- Tea towel
- Basket
- White wine
- Glasses
Ingredients
- Oysters from the Texelse Wad
- Salty foraged finds of samphire, sea fennel, sea cabbage and seaweed
The preparation
We gather oysters during months with an 'r' in their name.
Check the tide table for when it's low tide.
Skip the beaten paths, head to Oost and let yourself be amazed by the vast emptiness of the Wad.
Take a moment to pause and appreciate the view when you arrive at the Oude Oesterhaven on 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 your salty adventure can begin.
Gathering & foraging
Collect the oysters from the Wad and place them in your basket. Always check carefully that they're still closed and don't sound 'hollow' when you tap them. To make your salty adventure complete, you can also forage various salty plants along the dyke. These are deliciously fresh with the Waddensea oyster. Think samphire, sea fennel and sea cabbage. You'll find the seaweed in the rock pools between the stones of the dyke. Like the reddish-brown bladderwrack. These are beautifully salty, crunchy and mild in flavour.
Opening oysters
Opening an oyster is always a bit tricky at first. But just keep at it, you'll be rewarded! Place the shell in the tea towel and make sure the flat side of the shell is facing up. Take the oyster knife and carefully insert it into the hinge between the two shell halves. Gently prise the oyster knife between them and with a twisting motion, open the oyster shell. Make sure you hold the oyster horizontally and cut the shell halves apart. You can then loosen the oyster, which makes it easier when tasting later. Be careful not to leave any grit behind. If necessary, wipe it out of the shell with your finger or the oyster knife.
Salty tasting
Then it's time to taste your harvest. Don't forget to pour a glass of wine first, that completes the experience. Place some salty plants and seaweed to your taste on the oyster and take a big bite, all in one go. Take a sip of wine and look up. Savour the moment and let yourself be amazed by the emptiness of the Wad...