OYSTER OPENING COMPETITIONS

Is it possible to compete in oysters? Maybe not in oyster farming, but oyster opening, known as oyster shucking, is a growing sport in Sweden. Internationally oyster shucking contests are huge events, especially in USA where elite oyster shuckers are treated as celebrities. This is increasingly spreading to Sweden as well.

But how difficult can it be to open an oyster? It is not as straightforward as one would think judging from what takes place in France every year. During peak oyster season between Christmas and New Year some 65,000 tons of oysters are consumed. During this week, hospitals in Paris admit 2000 people with injuries related to oyster opening. In other words, it is something of an art form to shuck oysters in a safe, smooth and fast manner. Special competition knives that make the opening a little safer and smoother are now manufactured by oysterknives.com. For several years now, we have delivered oysters to different oyster shucking contests in Sweden, including Swedish, Nordic and European Championships. The Swedish oyster shucker elite prefer our farmed oysters because the shells and especially the small gap by the so-called lock is a little smoother than on wild oysters. For us it has been great fun to get away from the daily grind at the farm and be part of the glamour and extravaganza during these events. After a couple of years on the sidelines we have participated as contestants as well. While we won’t be going pro for a while yet, we didn’t get last place at least. We’ll be back!