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Tag: Beginners

A Beginners Guide To Ordering Wine At A Restaurant, With Tips From An Expert Sommelier
Do you enjoy drinking wine but find it difficult to order it properly while dining out? Do you find yourself making choices you don’t end up liking from a wine list? Are you unsure about interacting with your sommelier and pairing a good wine with your meal? Don’t fret – many of us have faced these issues. It is said that ordering wine well requires practice. But that’s not all you need. It’s essential to have basic knowledge of wine serving and tasting etiquette as well as an openness to communicate. Even if you’re not a wine expert, you can manage to find and enjoy a great wine with your food at a restaurant. To help you out, we have compiled a comprehensive guide with inputs from an award-winning sommelier, Mattia Antonio Cianca.

Mattia Antonio Cianca is the Co-Founder and Vice President of the recently established Sommeliers Association of India. Although his roots are Italian, he spent his formative years in Australia. He has worked at acclaimed restaurants including Attica in Australia and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. He was named the Best Sommelier of Australia in 2017 and of Italy in 2019. We had the chance to meet Mattia in Mumbai. We asked him many questions about how to not only order wine at a restaurant but also enhance one’s overall experience. So if you’re a beginner to wine appreciation who is looking for tried-and-tested tips by a sommelier, we’ve got you covered! Here are edited excerpts from NDTV Food’s conversation with Mattia Antonio Cianca:

1. What is the first thing a diner should consider when choosing a wine at a restaurant?

As a diner, you first need to decide if you want to drink by the glass or by the bottle. You should consider your budget and filter your choices accordingly. Next, your personal taste and preferences would play a key role in selecting the wine. The food you’re going to eat can also help determine which wines should be paired with the meal.

2. What are common mistakes people make while selecting and tasting wines at a restaurant?

The most common mistake is to order some of the more expensive options with the assumption that they are better than the others. Another mistake is ordering commercial brands just because one has seen them somewhere before or simply just heard of them. Regarding tasting, I would advise diners to give time for the wine to open up fully. Sometimes this also implies waiting for the wine to reach the right temperature before drinking it.

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3. After the wine is poured for tasting, what should a diner pay attention to?

When tasting wine, focus on its smell and taste. The aromas and flavours should be genuine, vibrant, and free from common faults. Knowing common issues with wine can help you stay vigilant and avoid a bad experience. Here are some of the factors to look out for:
- Cork taint: Characterized by mouldy or wet cardboard aromas.
- Oxidation: Notes of brown apple or overripe banana, often occurring in wines by the glass that have been left open for too long. Note that some wines are intentionally oxidized, and in such cases, this is not a fault.
- Brettanomyces (Brett): Barnyard or band-aid aromas, which can sometimes indicate a flaw.
It’s not always easy to detect faults. But as a general rule, the wine should be pleasant and enjoyable. Simply ask yourself: “Do I like it?”

4. What should a diner do if they don’t like the wine after tasting it?

If the wine is flawed, inform the sommelier or waiter immediately so they can replace it. In professional environments, wines are typically checked before being served to prevent such issues. If the wine is sound but not to your taste, you can ask the sommelier if it’s possible to replace it. However, this situation can be tricky.

If the wine is sound but the diner doesn’t like it, they usually still need to pay for it. After all, the bottle was ordered and confirmed by the guest already. However, if the wine is faulty, it should be replaced without hesitation. In some cases, a sommelier or manager may agree to replace a sound wine as a gesture of goodwill. They may find an alternative use for the bottle, such as selling it by the glass or using it for staff training. This decision often depends on the wine’s cost and rarity.

Communication is key. Sometimes, a customer orders a wine that is unusual for its category. If the sommelier advises them about its characteristics and they choose it anyway, the bottle should be paid for. However, if this information wasn’t clearly communicated, the sommelier should replace the wine with a more typical example of that category.

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5. What are the basics of wine-serving etiquette that a diner should be aware of?

To avoid misunderstandings, restaurants should follow proper service etiquette. This includes
1. Repeating the wine’s name and vintage when it is ordered to confirm the choice.
2. Presenting the bottle to the guest before opening, repeating the wine’s name again.
3. Allowing the guest to confirm the selection before pouring.
Ultimately, I always recommend having a conversation with the sommelier or waiter before ordering to ensure the wine matches your preferences and expectations. This can help minimise the risk of dissatisfaction and also prevent other possible problems later.

6. People may be unsure of how to pair wine with food. What is their role as a diner in doing so? Should they leave the decision completely up to their sommelier?

As much as there are many principles of how to pair wine with food, this is very personal and it is impossible to generalise. People should drink and eat what they enjoy and they should not be forced to do otherwise. If they are curious to explore pairing options they should express their preferences to the sommelier and keep an open mind of what their options are. If they don’t like the sound of it, they can order a glass or a bottle of a style that they are sure to enjoy.

7. Are there any myths or misconceptions about wine that you’ve often found yourself debunking for diners?

If there are myths or misconceptions expressed by the customers is the sommelier’s role to communicate the reality of the facts. Some of the most common ones are:
- The more expensive the better.
- The older the better.
- Only old red wines must be decanted.
- French or Italian wines are better than the rest.
- French or Italian sommeliers have more knowledge than those of other nationalities.
- The young staff are less knowledgeable than the older staff. (You never know when someone started in their career and how much effort and dedication they put into it).
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8. For someone who is new to wine appreciation or feels intimidated by the wine list, what would you suggest as a good entry point or strategy for becoming more confident in ordering wine?

Large wine lists can be indeed intimidating, so asking the sommelier for advice is always a good start. Again, considering the budget is a good first approach so that you can target the wines that are within the range you are willing to spend. You should start by understanding what style of wine you like and how to describe this preference to the sommelier so that you can be guided with much more precision. Furthermore, if you want to learn the basics of how to approach a wine list, you should learn about the main wine countries and regions to understand the related varieties and styles.

9. What are some indicators of a high-quality wine that diners might not typically think about?

Ans: It is hard to generalize here and the key to this is knowledge and experience. Let’s say that it helps to know the main wine regions and appellations in the world so that you know where quality is considered a priority. For example in regions like Champagne and Burgundy in France and Barolo and Montalcino in Italy, most likely you will find high-quality wines.

10. How do seasonal changes influence wine selections and pairings? Are there wines better suited for specific times of the year?

Most wines are available all year round and it only depends on when we can receive them and when we decide to list them. Seasonal changes affect the menu which can encourage the sommeliers to recommend different things according to the specific period of the year. However, it doesn’t really affect the wine selection since all main styles and categories are often listed on a good wine list.

It also depends on the nature of the business. At a seasonal restaurant by the sea, which is only open for summer and only serves seafood, the selection will be focused on sparkling and white wines. At a steak house open all year round, the selection will be led by medium to full-bodied red wines. Seasonal changes influence the menu which therefore influences the pairings according to where you are located. For sure there are wines better suited for specific times, again it depends on where the restaurant or wine bar is located. In summer, there will be more sparkling and refreshing whites and in winter there will be heavier whites and more structured reds. Festivities play a crucial role in this as well as it is normal to use Champagne and Sparkling wines to celebrate special occasions.
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December 3, 2024
Beginners Guide to EA Sports FC 25 Career Mode
Key Takeaways

Career Mode in EAFC 25 has several new features this year.

Finding the balance between signing the best players and developing wonderkids is key.

Our in-depth guide outlines everything you need to know as you embark on a new challenge.
Ultimate Team is the most popular mode in EA Sports FC 25, but career mode – which sees you choose a team from around the world and try to take them to the top – is in a close second. It’s for good reason as well; although not as detailed as its rival, Football Manager, taking a team from ‘ranks to riches’ is exciting.

However, with new features being added every year, it can be hard to keep up with what is ‘overpowered’ in Career Mode. Finding a way to secure the best youngster in the world, or how to develop your current stars is crucial, but it doesn’t bring guaranteed success.

Due to this, we have decided to create a beginner’s guide for you when you start a new career mode. From tactical presets and scouting to developing youngsters and training, it’s an in-depth article which will allow you to win the hardest competitions, including the Premier League, as quickly as possible.

Tactical Presets

One of the most important things to choose is your tactical preset. Whatever team you pick – at any level – you need to feel comfortable with a specific style of play. Your players will do different things depending on what you select, and we have outlined all seven options below.
- Standard
- Wing Play
- Tiki Taka
- Gegenpressing
- Park the Bus
- Counter Attack
- Kick and Rush
While some are more obvious, like gegenpressing, where your team presses high, others are not as clear. For example, ‘Kick and Rush’ may sound like an NFL system, but in football, it is a route-one system, playing on your team’s physical strengths. Meanwhile, ‘Wing Play’ focuses on your wingers, unsurprisingly, so if you use the best widemen in the world, you will excel.

To go alongside this, once you’ve picked your tactical preset, you can then hire coaches to implement your philosophy. Each coach is ranked out of five stars in every category: attacking, midfield, defending, and goalkeeper. The higher-rated they are, the more they can impact your players’ attributes throughout the campaign. Coaches are all aligned to specific philosophies as well, so make sure you only pick ones who match your style. You also need to place them in the category where they can have the most impact. A coach with a one-star attacking rating but four-star defending should be in your defending coach lineup.

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Youth Academy and Rush Matches

There were some major changes to the ‘Youth Academy’ in EAFC 25, with the pool of countries expanded to more than 160. You can now scout up to four specific positions and three clear player roles. However, the most notable thing to know is that you can develop wonderkids in ‘Rush Tournaments’.

A new five vs five mode in EAFC, Rush is just like a typical football match, but on a smaller pitch with a few rule changes. In Career Mode, youth tournaments take place every two months, and you can choose to use players with their current ratings, or ultimate potential.

Every match will affect their ability via match XP, whilst it will outline how long it will take them to get to the next overall rating. Nurturing some of the best wonderkids in the game is not a quick process, though, so this is only worth doing if you want to stay at a club for years and bring in the next generation of talent.

Youth Scouting

While it’s great that you can progress talent in Rush matches, you can only do it by finding youngsters in the first place. What’s the point in buying the highest-rated players in EAFC 25 when you, for far cheaper, could find wonderkids instead? It sounds like a dream.

With youth scouting, you can choose/hire staff and make them scout specific areas of the world. You can hire up to three youth scouts, who then travel in spells of either three, six or nine months. They can find players with certain traits if you ask them to, whilst – unsurprisingly – the better scouts with more experience and judgement will find better stars. As they work away, they will send you consistent reports where you can choose to either sign or decline them.

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Player Scouting

Coupled with signing youngsters, you also need to bring in well-known names. They’re the stars who can, at any level, carry your team to victory, strutting around with confidence and cockiness that most can only dream about. In Career Mode, the global transfer network is your main hub for scouting players.

Within this, you have specific scouts who can analyse players shining around the world. You can make them search via position, age, contract length and player roles. You can hire up to six scouts and each member of staff has a star rating out of five for two categories — experience and judgement. Finding someone with at least a three-star rating in both will put you in the best position.

After a few weeks, they will give you a list of players who they think will fit into your team. They only provide a snapshot most of the time, though, so you will then need to scout them further by clicking on the player’s report. Once their full report is available, it’s then up to you if you want to sign them, either permanently or on loan. If you don’t fancy this, sites like Futwiz and SoFIFA also provide a list of every player in the game, where you can search for the stars with the best potential.

Transfers

Throughout both transfer windows, you always need to change up your squad. You can’t progress with the same squad every season, as the teams around you will bring in the best centre-backs or the finest strikers in the game. Knowing how to bring players in is crucial.

Once you’ve entered negotiations, you can offer an up-front fee that comes out of your transfer budget, or even try and lure the club into accepting a deal which is initially cheaper but includes sell-on clauses or player swaps. Your first bid is likely to be rejected, which will see the ‘tension meter’ rise. If that reaches the top, negotiations will end, so you do have to be careful.

Following the player’s market value is a rough way to have swift negotiations, but that’s only half of the story. If you have a bid accepted, you also need to agree to the player’s wages, contract length and squad role. It’s a similar idea to the initial transfer fee talks; you can’t upset them too much. While we have focused on buying here, the same can be expected if you ever want to offload stars as well.

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Training

Winning matches is the most important thing in any sport, and that’s the case in EAFC 25. If you don’t walk away with three points regularly, you’ll be sacked, so you need to make sure your players are fit and strong. This is possible through training them during the week.

You have two stats to consider when it comes to your squad – fitness and sharpness. The former is all about how fit your players currently are. If they play too many games, they will have less stamina, so they won’t be able to complete 90 minutes without needing a stint of oxygen. Meanwhile, high sharpness will lead to a boost in form and skill.

Finding a balance is the most important thing, so rotating your squad’s training is crucial. You can also use training plans to create a regimen for your squad. When doing this, you can choose from five levels of training — ‘all-out performance’ and ‘performance-focused’ improve sharpness, ‘balanced’ is the middle ground, whilst ‘energy-focused’ and ‘all-out energy’ are stamina’s best friend but decrease sharpness. Tinkering depending on your fixture list is the most important thing.

A legendary universe is finally unlocked. For the first time, you can now manage a women’s team in the EA football universe. The NWSL, WSL, Premiere Ligue, Frauen-Bundesliga, and Liga F are all available, whilst the Women’s Champions League – bringing together the best European sides – is also in the game.

The same things we have mentioned above apply to women’s football, but – as there are just five leagues – the talent pool is smaller. It’ll be harder to find the next great wonderkid, but you can still buy the highest-rated female footballers in the game if you want to.

Best teams to Manage

We have outlined a nine-strong list of the best teams to manage in EAFC 25. We’ve provided an in-depth analysis of every team and why they might be good to use, whilst also providing a snapshot for several teams here. Unsurprisingly, we’ve not chosen the greatest sides in the world, as that’s rarely entertaining.

Instead, ‘fallen giants’ are the best choices. Including the likes of Ipswich and Schalke, you can take a side that once excelled in Europe back to the top of the pyramid. Not only are they full of talented youngsters, but they also have their own stadiums in the game and passionate fanbases behind them.
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November 30, 2024
A Beginners Guide To Enhancing The Taste Of Alcohol

If you are reading this, you are probably new to the world of alcohol or maybe someone who’s tried a sip and wondered, “How do people enjoy this stuff?” For many, the first experience with alcohol can be less pleasant. Because, honestly, it’s an acquired taste. The good news is that you don’t have to force yourself to handle the sharp and bitter taste of alcohol. With a little creativity and mixing, you can easily enhance the notes of your drink! Are you someone who is looking for ways to make their drinks taste better? Then look no further! These 7 hacks will make sure you go from “yuck” to “yum” in no time!

Also Read: 5 Telltale Signs Your Bartender Isn’t Making Your Cocktails Properly

Photo Credit: iStock

Here Are 7 Easy Hacks to Enhance the Taste of Alcohol:

1. Mix It With Juices

Why settle for the stingy taste of alcohol when you can easily make it taste fruity? Mixing alcohol with fresh fruit juices like orange, pineapple, or cranberry can easily turn it into a tropical delight! Think of a vodka cranberry or a rum pineapple. Sounds delicious, right? The sweetness and tang of the juice mask the bitterness of the alcohol, making it perfect for first-timers. Pro tip: experiment with different concoctions and find your own perfect mix!

2. Fizz It Up

If you like your drinks fizzy, soda can be your alcohol plus one! A dash of an aerated drink, ginger ale, or tonic water can mellow out the intensity of alcohol without overpowering it. Want a refreshing vibe? Go for soda water with a twist of lemon. The bubbles will add a fun texture while masking the strong taste of alcohol.

3. Add Fresh Fruits Or Herbs

Who said only restaurant-style cocktails can taste and look amazing? At home, you can play bartender too. While preparing your drink, toss in some muddled strawberries, mint leaves, or citrus slices. Not only will these add a burst of flavour, but they also make your drink look straight out of a Pinterest board. This trick works great for people who enjoy subtle flavours but also want to tone down alcohol’s strong taste.

4. Smoothen It With Cream

If fruity and fizzy aren’t really your style, why not make your drink creamy? Coconut cream, almond milk, or even good old coffee creamers can completely transform your drink. Have you ever tried Irish cream? The delicious, creamy, coffee-like taste? That’s the vibe we are looking for! The rich and smooth texture of the cream will tone down the sharp taste of alcohol, making every sip feel like dessert!

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5. Ice To The Rescue

Here’s something you should know: alcohol tastes less sharp when it’s cold. So, add a handful of ice cubes or chill your drink in the fridge beforehand, and you’ll notice the difference immediately. When your drink is cold, the strong smell and taste reduce significantly. If you feel a bit fancy, try making flavoured ice cubes with mint, berries, or citrus. As they melt, they will add extra flavour to your drink.

6. Sweeten It Up With Syrups

Let’s just agree that sweet flavours are much better than bitter. So, a little sweetness goes a long way. Add a spoonful of honey, sugar syrup, or maple syrup to your drink and watch your drink transform! If you are feeling a bit adventurous, try flavoured syrups like caramel, vanilla, or hazelnut. Trust us, your drink will go from meh to a “cocktail with a kick.”

7. Choose Light Options

Honestly, not every alcoholic drink will make you go nuts. In the beginning, you can always choose lighter options like flavoured vodkas or wines. They are beginner-friendly and usually have a mild taste. Some popular cocktails are sangrias, cosmopolitans, or a simple gin and tonic. These drinks will give you a buzz without burning your throat!

Also Read: Amp Up Your Mocktail Game With These 5 Easy-To-Make Garnishes This Weekend

Can you think of any other additions to mask the taste of alcohol? Let us know in the comments below.

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November 23, 2024
How To Add Pecans Into Your Favourite Indian Snacks: A Beginners Guide

If you’re someone who loves experimenting with flavours and textures in the kitchen, adding pecans to your favourite Indian snacks is an easy way to elevate their taste. Whether you’re a fan of crunchy munchies or indulgent desserts, pecans bring a delightful twist to the familiar flavours of Indian cuisine. This beginner’s guide will give you creative ideas on how to incorporate these nutritious nuts into your snacks, along with some helpful tips on storing them for a longer shelf life. From simple tips to quick recipes, let’s dive into the delicious world of pecans in Indian cuisine!

Why You Should Add Pecans To Your Snacks

Before we get into the recipes, let’s take a moment to talk about why pecans are worth adding to your snacks. Packed with healthy fats, fibre and antioxidants, pecans aren’t just tasty – they’re a great addition to a balanced diet. “Pecans are high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease,” says nutritionist Rupali Datta. “They are also rich in essential vitamins like Vitamin E and minerals like manganese, both of which help boost immunity and energy levels.” So, while you’re snacking, you’re also giving your body a healthy boost!

Also Read:What Are Pecans And Why Should You Be Eating Them? Here’s Everything You Need To Know

Pecans can give your recipes a nutrition and flavour boost.
Photo Credit: iStock

Simple Tips For Cooking With Pecans:

1. Toast Them First:

Toasting pecans before adding them to your snacks brings out their rich, nutty flavour and enhances their crunchiness. A quick 5-7 minutes on a hot, dry pan should be enough to get them golden and fragrant. Did you know pecans roast better than any other nut, try it out!

2. Chop Or Crush:

Depending on the recipe, you can chop or crush the pecans. For dishes like pani puri or dahi puri, coarsely chopped pecans add just the right amount of texture without overpowering the other ingredients. For smoother snacks like kheer or payasam, you can crush them into smaller pieces.

3. Blend Into Batters:

Pecans can be blended into the batter for baked snacks like mathri or cookies, adding a new depth of flavour. Ground pecans can also be added to dosa or idli batter for an extra boost of protein and crunch.

4. Garnish and Topping:

Pecans make a great garnish for both sweet and savoury Indian dishes. Sprinkle them over dishes like gajar ka halwa, rice pudding, or samosas to add a pleasant crunch and flavour contrast.

Garnish your desserts with pecans for enhanced taste.
Photo Credit: iStock

5 Recipe Ideas To Elevate Your Favourite Indian Snacks:

1. Pecan Chutney:

Transform your traditional coriander or mint chutney by adding toasted pecans. Blend fresh coriander leaves, green chillies, ginger, and a handful of toasted pecans for a creamy, nutty chutney that pairs perfectly with your samosas, pakoras, or parathas.

2. Pecan and Paneer Tikka:

Add chopped pecans to your paneer marinade to bring a crunchy twist. Simply mix toasted pecans into the yoghurt, spices, and lemon juice for a unique flavour. Grill or bake the paneer as you normally would, and enjoy the added texture!

3. Pecan Coconut Ladoo:

Try making a healthier version of coconut ladoo by adding ground pecans to the coconut and jaggery mix. The pecans add a lovely crunch while the jaggery provides a rich, caramelized sweetness to balance out the flavours.

4. Pecan-Crusted Aloo Tikki:

Add a layer of crushed pecans to the outside of your aloo tikki for a crunchy coating. This adds a nutty flavour that perfectly complements the soft, spiced potato filling. Serve with tamarind chutney or a yoghurt dip for a delicious snack.

5. Pecan and Date Energy Bars:

Looking for a nutritious on-the-go snack? Combine chopped pecans, dates, and a bit of cardamom powder to make your own energy bars. These can easily replace store-bought bars and are packed with healthy fats and fibre.

Pecan energy bars are healthy, crunchy and tasty.
Photo Credit: iStock

3 Easy Ways To Store Pecans For Long-Lasting Freshness

Pecans are a great investment for your pantry, but to get the most out of them, proper storage is key.

1. Keep Them in an Airtight Container:

Store pecans in an airtight container to prevent moisture from getting in and spoiling them. This also keeps the flavour fresh for longer periods.

2. Refrigerate Them:

If you buy pecans in bulk or use them infrequently, store them in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life. Refrigeration helps maintain their crunchiness and prevents the oils in the nuts from going rancid.

3. Freeze For Extended Shelf Life:

For even longer storage, freeze pecans in a resealable bag or container. They’ll last for up to 6 months in the freezer and can be easily thawed or used straight from frozen for recipes.

Adding pecans to your Indian snacks is an easy way to mix things up and boost your recipes with a crunchy texture and health benefits. Whether you’re making something savoury or sweet, there’s a pecan twist you can add. These versatile nuts can transform simple dishes into gourmet snacks, giving you endless opportunities to play with flavours. Remember to store your pecans properly to keep them fresh and flavourful, and you’ll be able to enjoy their goodness in all your favourite dishes!

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November 21, 2024
A Beginners Guide to Oysters: Belon, Kumamoto and More

It isn’t surprising to come across people who refer to oysters as ‘overrated’. The argument put forth is that why should one pay such a steep price for a few shells when they taste nothing more than salt water. Yet we all know that it is a prestigious ingredient in the world of fine dining, so that builds up the curiosity nevertheless. There has to be some reason, isn’t it?

If you have travelled along the coastline of France or visited a few coastal cities in the USA, Australia, UK, Caribbean, et al, you realise that shell fish, particularly mussels and oysters, are a given. No one turns a head if you order a plate of oysters. Instead you are spoilt with multiple options to delight your taste buds. And then, you start to unravel all the frills to discover the humble ingredient for what it’s really worth. It is “a taste of the sea” but definitely more than just salt water.

Oysters – A Taste

Oysters, also known as bivalves, are salt water molluscs containing two shells adjoined on one end. They are usually found in marine or brackish water, and epitomises what’s known as “taste of place”, where the natural environment plays a significant role in the flavour of the ingredient. In the case of oysters, the salinity of the sea water, temperature, planktons they graze on, etc. all contribute to its taste.

On the surface and for first timers, oysters may taste exactly the same as sea water. But as you explore various terroirs or “merroirs” (the marine reference) you start to understand the complexity – there are various types of oysters with unique characteristics and flavours depending on the region they hail from. Therefore most kinds come with an affix of the region, example Kumamoto – Oakland Bay or Atlantic Oysters – Fanny Bay.

Similar to wine, oysters too come with their set of flavour notes. They can be floral, fruity, spicy and even like mushrooms. Some terminologies that connoisseurs are familiar with include briny, sweet, nutty, buttery, cucumber, melon, watermelon, seaweed, creamy, mineral, springy, plump and meaty. So yes, it is complex.

“Like wine, oysters mirror their natural environment and draw overall flavour from the waters in which they live. There’s the pure, sharp brininess of Atlantic oysters and the sweeter, kelpier smoothness of Pacific oysters. Aquatic micro-zones contribute the subtle flavour attributes. These highly individualized environments are the reason you hear so many different words used to describe the way oysters taste, look, and feel. Sublimely balanced Island Creeks. Sweet, fruity Hama Hamas. Creamy, herbaceous Hog Island. Perfect, buttery Kumamotos. Earthy Olympias. Brassy Belons,” note Jeremy Sewall and Marion Lear Swaybill in their book Oysters: A Celebration in the Raw.

Oysters – the Different Types

There are several varieties of oysters available worldwide and most of the commercial ones are cultivated to meet the ever growing demand of diners. Edible oysters can be broadly categorised into six types – Pacific Oyster, Flat Oyster or Belon, Kumamoto, Atlantic Oyster, Olympia and Rock Oysters.

1. Pacific Oyster – it’s small-sized, sweet in flavour, less briny, found along the coastlines of Europe and America though it is said to have been bought to France from Asian Pacific region in the early 1900s, the shells have ruffled edges and it is the most commonly cultivated oyster.

2. Atlantic Oyster – also known as American oyster, has mineral flavour note with a savoury finish, tear-drop shaped shells that are large-sized.

3. Flat Oyster – also known as European Flats or Belon, commonly found in the Brittany region of France, has a smooth and flat shell, distinctive mineral and seaweed flavour note with a meaty texture.

4. Kumamoto – small-sized with bowl-shaped shell, sweet and nutty in flavour, a native of Japan though largely cultivated in US.

5. Olympia – they are tiny-sized, almost the size of a quarter, native to the West Coast of US, sweet in flavour with a metallic note, creamy in texture.

6. Rock Oyster – popularly known as Sydney rock oyster, is small sized, sweet and fruity in flavour, and chewy in texture.

How to Enjoy Oysters

“Like sushi, oysters are best eaten raw, when the living chi has not yet fled. They have a life force in them that leaves you feeling flushed. And you will pay what it takes to get that feeling. That’s why oysters, nutritional nobodies, can cause people to part from their economic senses…” says author Rowan Jacobsen of The Essential Oyster: A Salty Appreciation of Taste and Temptation.

The best way to enjoy oysters is to have them au natural – fresh and raw. It is a delicacy that you can savour at respective regional coastlines known for their oysters. A squeeze of lime, a dash of Tabasco or a drizzle of mignonette sauce with shallots and vinegar is all you need to elevate the flavour. While it may sound primal or just plain disgusting, some things are bet savoured as they are.

Other than that, oysters are also used in making fritters, as fillings, bakes, grilled, etc. In India, you can find oysters along the coast of Kerala, where the locals prepare it with local spice mixes to make stir-fries and curries. So gear yourself and get a taste of the sea. You’ll surely be in for a pleasant surprise.

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October 7, 2024