5 Fun Facts: What to Know About Oysters

We love a good oyster. These filter-feeding mollusks don’t always look very pretty from the outside but don’t be fooled. They’re loaded with flavor, rich in nutrients, and incredibly delicious. Today, we're shucking the misconceptions and diving in to explore five fun facts about oysters you might not know.

There Are 5 Species of Oysters

There are just 5 species of oysters found throughout the world.

The Pacific Oyster, also known as a Japanese Oyster, is the most common type of oyster consumed worldwide.

The European Flat Oyster is the native oyster of Europe. It’s related to the Olympia Oyster but is much larger, with a strong smokey, metallic flavor. 

The Olympia Oyster is native to the United States but rare. It can be found in the cold waters of the Puget Sound in Washington state and all along the Pacific coastline. 

The Eastern Oyster is the largest type of oyster. Native to the Gulf of Mexico, and found along the Atlantic coast of North America, these oysters are firm and meaty.



Kumamoto Oysters are a Japanese species that are grown on the West Coast for most American diners. Lightly brined and luscious, these delicate bivalves are firm and buttery.

Not All Oysters Make Pearls

Pearls are formed when an irritant gets into the oyster’s shell. The oyster then creates a substance called nacre to protect itself from the irritant. Over time, the nacre builds up and forms a pearl. But not all oysters make pearls. 

Looking to crack open a half shell and find something shiny? Order Pacific oysters, European flat oysters, or Olympia oysters for your best chances. 

Oysters Filter Gallons of Water Every Day

Oysters are filter feeders, straining the seawater to get food. A single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day. Oysters play an important role in water quality because they help to remove pollutants from the water. Without oysters, these pollutants would build up and damage the environment.

Oysters are a renewable resource, which means they can be sustainably harvested from the wild without damaging the environment.

Oysters Taste Better in the Winter

As filter feeders, the flavor of oysters can be affected by the condition of the water they’re in. Some oyster species taste better in the winter because the colder, more pristine waters make them sweeter. In the summer months, oysters are exposed to warmer waters, which often come with small organisms and more particulates. 

For diners, this can mean an occasional bite that’s more briny and metallic, but with modern oyster farming, overnight transportation, and 24-hour refrigeration, diners can enjoy delicious, fresh oysters year-round.

Like Wine, Oysters Have Many Flavor Profiles

Oysters come in many flavor profiles.  Some oysters are salty, while others are sweet. Some are creamy, while others are firm and meaty. Some of this is due to variations in species, but like wine, they’re also affected by their growing region. For example, Pacific oysters have a different flavor than Atlantic oysters, in part because they are exposed to different water conditions. 

Try the Fresh Oysters at 1920 Tavern

Spring is a beautiful season for fresh oysters from cold waters. At 1920 Tavern, we have a rotating selection of the freshest oysters from the East and West Coasts. Our knowledgeable staff can help you select the perfect oyster to pair with your favorite wine or beer. Stop by our downtown Roswell restaurant today and see what’s on our menu!