People have been farming oysters for food for more than 2,000 years. They are one of the oldest living things on Earth. They are part of the mollusk family of shellfish that also includes mussels, clams and scallops.
Mollusks are bivalves, which means they have two shells that are the same size and protect a soft body. Oysters are one of the few species that are eaten both raw and cooked.
Every person should eat three ounces of raw oysters, which is about two medium oysters or three small oysters. Three ounces of raw oysters contain:
If you’re wondering how many calories are in raw oysters during happy hour, you might be interested to know that 12 raw oysters have about 414 calories. You can count on oysters for protein. One dozen small oysters contain about 48 grams of protein.
Oysters are packed with nutrients like zinc, iron, and vitamin B12, which is why they make such a healthy addition to any diet. If you enjoy eating oysters, you may have wondered just how many make up a typical 3 ounce serving. In this article, we’ll provide a helpful guide on oyster sizes, counts, and weights to give you a better sense of what to expect in a 3 ounce portion.
Typical Oyster Sizes
Oysters are commonly categorized into different size grades – Standards, Selects, and Counts.
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Standards are the smallest variety,
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Selects are medium in size.
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Counts are the largest oysters.
Counts are generally 3 inches or larger while petite Standards may be as small as 2 inches. The wide range of sizes means the number of oysters in any given weight will vary.
Weight of Oyster Meats
When oysters are shucked, their meats and liquor weigh differently depending on size.
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On average, 12 medium Select oysters yield around 1 cup of meat.
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6 large Count oysters yield about 1 cup of meat.
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It takes 18-24 extra small Standards to make 1 cup.
So smaller oysters weigh less individually, but you need more to reach a cup’s worth.
How Many Oysters In 3 Ounces?
Now that we know how oyster size affects weight, we can estimate the number of oysters in a typical 3 ounce portion:
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Small to medium Selects: 9-12 oysters
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Large Counts: Approximately 6-8 oysters
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Extra large Counts: Around 4-5 oysters
The range accounts for natural variability in exact oyster weights. You can expect approximately 8-12 medium shucked oysters in 3 ounces depending on their exact size.
Tips For Serving Oysters
Here are some useful tips for serving oysters:
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Allow at least 4-6 medium oysters per person for appetizers. Adjust amounts as needed.
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For entrees, estimate 3-4 ounces (about 8-12 medium oysters) per person.
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Choose fresh oysters that smell like the sea, not sulfurous.
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Store fresh oysters correctly to maximize shelf life.
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Shucked oysterslast 1-2 weeks when kept chilled at 38°F or less.
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Serve raw oysters on crushed ice with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce.
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Bake, grill, or fry shucked oysters for cooked recipes.
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Avoid overcooking oysters which can make them rubbery.
Knowing approximately how many shucked oysters make up a typical 3 ounce portion helps ensure you buy and serve the right amount. Enjoy experimenting with different oyster sizes and cooking methods to find your favorites.
Oysters Are an Excellent Source of Iron
Iron is an integral part of your diet, helping red blood cells deliver oxygen throughout the body and supporting muscle metabolism, according to the NIH.
Low iron levels can cause iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia, which can cause tiredness, weakness, stomach problems, immune system problems, and problems with thinking and memory.
Heme, which is found in oysters and iron-fortified foods, and non-heme, which comes from plant-based foods, are the two main types of iron. One three-ounce serving of oysters has 24% of the daily value for iron, which makes them a great way to get your daily dose.
Shellfish is one of the more common food allergies. This includes two types of shellfish — crustacea, such as shrimp, crab or lobster and mollusks, such as oysters, clams, mussels and scallops, per the Food Allergy Research & Education.
Shellfish allergies most frequently occur in adults and older children, but can appear at any age, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Shellfish allergy symptoms may range from mild to severe. Mild cases include oral allergy syndromes, such as swollen lips and an itchy mouth or tongue.
In mild cases, you might feel stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. In severe cases, you might go into life-threatening anaphylactic shock and need an EpiPen.
Eating raw oysters may lead to vibriosis, an infection caused by the V. vulnificus bacteria that can make people ill. While most people who get it have mild symptoms (including diarrhea), the infection can be life threatening and fatal, according to the CDC.
Bivalve mollusks, including oysters, filter 15 to 20 gallons of water per day. If the water itself is polluted, they can store toxins in their bodies for up to two years. When purchasing oysters, be sure to check where they come from.
Reputable markets are able to show tags certifying that the mollusks have been harvested from certified-as-clean waters.
If you eat raw oysters in a restaurant, the way they are handled could also make your stomach hurt with cramps, nausea, or diarrhea.
There are a lot of risks with these issues for very young or old people, as well as people whose immune systems aren’t strong enough, like those with diabetes, cancer, or autoimmune diseases. Opting for oysters from a reputable food-service establishment is a good way to avoid this.
Zinc can reduce the absorption and potency of quinolone antibiotics (such as Cipro) and tetracycline antibiotics (such as Achromycin). Because of oysters high zinc content, eat them at least two hours before or four to six hours after taking antibiotics, per the NIH.
Zinc can also interfere with the drug penicillamine, which is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Shoulder blades, oysters, and other foods high in zinc should not be eaten for at least two hours before or after taking the medicine.
Zinc has more medication interactions, so speak to your doctor about eating zinc-rich oysters if youre on medications.
Oysters Are Linked to Good Brain Health
Oysters are like a multi-vitamin for your brain. Theyre packed with nutrients linked to brain and mental health, including vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids.
Vitamin B12 is associated with better brain health and cognitive function, particularly as we age, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
B12 is needed to make homocysteine and break it down. Not getting enough of it is linked to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. One three-ounce serving of oysters provides 567 percent of your DV for vitamin B12.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be vital to brain health. EPA and DHA are two important types that can be found in oysters. These are the fats that our brains use the most and help them do many things.
Omega-3s can help protect cognitive function and research shows that people with Alzheimers disease have lower serum levels of DHA compared to those who are cognitively healthy, per the NIH. But more research is needed to confirm supplementation helps cognitive function.
Whats more, eating seafood regularly is tied to a 20 percent lower risk of depression, according to an article published in the November 2016 issue of the Journal of Affective Disorders.
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FAQ
How much is 3 ounces of oyster?
How many ounces are in an oyster?
How many oysters is 4 ounces?
How much do 6 oysters weigh?
How many ounces are in a serving of oysters?
Three ounces of raw oysters, which is about two medium oysters or three small oysters, constitute a single serving. Three ounces of raw oysters contain: Calories: 69 Total fat: 2 g Cholesterol: 42.5 mg Sodium: 90.1 mg Total carbs: 4.2 g Dietary fiber: 0 g
How many calories are in 3 ounces of raw oysters?
Three ounces of raw oysters contain 69 calories. Here’s a breakdown of their nutritional content: Calories: 69, Total fat: 2 g, Cholesterol: 42.5 mg, Sodium: 90.1 mg, Total carbs: 4.2 g, Dietary fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g, Protein: 8 g
How many carbs are in 3 ounces of oysters?
A 3-ounce serving of oysters contains just over 4 grams of carbs. There is less fat in oysters than carbs, with just 2 grams per 3 ounces. Oysters are packed with protein. They provide 8 grams of protein and all of the essential amino acids.
How many calories are in oysters?
One 3-ounce serving of oysters (typically 2-3 raw oysters) has only 69 calories, 8 grams of protein, and only 2 grams of fat . These shellfish are not only low in calories but they’re also packed with vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients that are essential for your overall health.