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A Carolina Tradition: Oyster Roasts!

As the weather cools in Coastal North Carolina, there are plenty locals look forward to with the arrival of autumn. Fall brings peaceful days at the beach with lighter crowds and mild weather. Seasonal sports pick up, such as fishing, hunting, and football. The weather is perfect for bonfires and camping. And one of the most anticipated events all bring is the start of the oyster season!

Living on the coast provides access to the freshest seafood, caught right in your backyard! Oysters are a local favorite, and they are in season during the colder months. People enjoy oysters prepared in all different ways. Some prefer steamed with a cracker, and cocktail sauce. Others spice them up with spinach, onions, and cheese, a dish known as oysters Rockefeller. Many also enjoy them raw, served on the half shell! In our opinion, one of the best ways to prepare oysters is roasted! An oyster roast not only provides a delicious dinner but can easily feed a crowd and makes a great social event

To roast oysters, a large piece of sheet metal is placed over a fire to be used as a cooking surface. Rinsedoysters are placed on the heated metal and covered with a soaking wet burlap sack or a beach towel to create steam. The oysters cook for about 8-10 minutes, and you will start to hear the shells opening. The oysters are then transferred to a table for guests to enjoy! Many enjoy condiments to go along with their oysters, such as melted butter, hot sauce, cocktail sauce, and saltine crackers. Oyster knives and rags can be helpful to open the shells

Oyster roasts are a North Carolina tradition, and a great way to bring people together. Some people even incorporate it into their holiday celebrations, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. This is just one of the many traditions that make life in Coastal North Carolina so great!