Keep oysters cold until you cook or eat them. That’s the most important thing to remember, but there’s more you can do to keep them alive, fresh, and safe.
Good storage starts when you pick them up. Wherever you get your oysters, they should be coming out of cold storage. Once they come out of cold storage, the clock starts on you getting them back into cold storage. You have a max of two hours to accomplish this. After two hours, the oyster’s bacteria will begin to multiply, making it more likely that something will make you sick. You shouldn’t just look at how the oyster looks and tastes to decide if it is safe to eat. The oyster itself won’t be affected by this. This is the same rule that applies to all meat products. It is just extra important with oysters since the likelihood of them being eaten raw is pretty high.
You should make sure you have enough ice or cold packs in your cooler to keep the oysters cold when you pick them up. So that the oysters don’t touch the sides of the cooler, you should also put them on top of ice packs. The bottom and sides of your cooler are where heat will enter first, so you want that heat to hit the ice instead of the oysters. Also, if you use ice, this will keep the oysters on top of the ice instead of in the melt water. Oysters and fresh water don’t go together.
Once you get them home, they should go straight into your refrigerator. The FDA recommends fridges be kept at 40 degrees fahrenheit or below. This works well for oysters because when it’s 40 degrees, they think it’s winter and stop moving around. It is also best if you can keep them from drying out. The easiest thing to do is just put them in a bowl with a damp cloth over them. Just enough to keep the shells from drying out, not enough to drip on them. This will help ensure a maximum shelf life.
If you keep your oysters in the fridge at the right temperature and make sure they don’t dry out, they can last up to a month or even longer. However, keep in mind that the longer they are out of the water, the more likely it is that you will lose some. Always check to make sure the oysters are closed before you eat them.
Some people say that you should eat them raw no more than 7 to 10 days after they were picked. To find out when the oysters were harvested, ask the place where you buy them to check or show you the harvest tag. If you get them from us the tag should be in the bag when you get your oysters. After seven to ten days, you should cook the oyster because its taste and texture may change, and it might not taste as good raw. Pretty much, the longer it is out of the water, the stronger, more concentrated the flavor will become. If the oyster is still closed, it is safe and you can still eat it raw. Shucking champion Paddy wrote two parts of an Instagram post about this for oysters that he kept in the fridge for more than 30 days. However, please note that it is super important that your fridge hold at the proper temperature. Remember that a live oyster is not necessarily a safe oyster.
If you know you aren’t going to eat the oysters for a bit, just shuck and freeze them. Put the oysters in a container that can go in the freezer, shuck them, and add as much liquor as you can. Then, add enough water to cover the oysters.
If you want to store them in a cooler for whatever reason, that is perfectly fine. With that said, we do not recommend doing this unless you are going to be eating them soon. Oysters will tolerate being kept on ice, but it is not the ideal. Being cold is bad for oysters. Putting them on ice at 33 degrees might not seem that much cooler than putting them in the fridge at 40 degrees, but it could make the oysters go bad faster. You also need to make sure you have enough ice and that the oysters aren’t sitting in water. And if they stay there for too long, you’ll have to repack them so that there is ice all around them, not just on top.
Planning an oyster feast? Unsure what size cooler you need to keep a bushel of oysters fresh? Oysters are extremely perishable so having the right cooler is key to proper storage and transport.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about picking the perfect cooler for a bushel of oysters. You’ll learn how much space a bushel takes up, recommended cooler sizes, and tips for keeping your oysters fresh. Let’s dive in!
Oysters thrive in cold damp environments. Their shells keep them sealed in their own little ecosystem. To keep oysters alive out of water it’s crucial to recreate that cold, humid habitat.
Once oysters are harvested, they are still alive and breathing. Keeping their shells tightly closed preserves freshness. That’s why proper chilling is so important for quality and food safety.
When oysters get too warm, they can perish in just hours. They need to be kept between 34-40°F consistently. A good cooler helps maintain this steady temperature.
What is a Bushel of Oysters?
A bushel is a standard industry term used to measure oysters by volume. A bushel of oysters weighs about 60 pounds. That’s around 150-200 oysters, depending on their size.
The actual dimensions of a bushel container are around 10” x 14” x 16”. But for storage purposes, it’s the weight that matters more than bushel dimensions when choosing a cooler.
Key Considerations for an Oyster Cooler
To keep a bushel of oysters in optimal condition, your cooler needs:
-
Insulation to maintain interior temperatures
-
A tight seal to prevent cool air escaping
-
Drainage so oysters don’t sit in freshwater
-
Enough room for the oysters plus ice/coolant packs
You also want it to be easy to carry when transporting the oysters. Hard-sided coolers tend to perform better than soft ones for keeping oysters.
What Size Cooler for A Bushel of Oysters?
For a 60-pound bushel of oysters, a 48-quart cooler is an ideal size. This provides enough room for the oysters plus plenty of ice.
A 36-quart cooler may also work, but less ice capacity means having to drain and replenish more frequently. It’s better to size up if you’re deciding between two coolers.
Some key advantages of a 48-quart cooler:
-
Can accommodate 60 pounds of oysters easily with ice
-
Keeps ice longer than smaller models
-
Allows oysters to lay flat in a single layer
-
Still portable for carrying short distances
Rectangular coolers utilize interior space better than round ones. They make it easier to pack the bushel efficiently.
Storing Oysters Properly in a Cooler
Once you’ve got the right size cooler, proper storage technique is also critical:
-
Place a layer of ice packs/blocks in the bottom of the cooler before adding oysters.
-
Arrange oysters flat in a single layer if possible. Avoid stacking them.
-
Pour drained ice over the top of oysters to completely surround them.
-
Place a final layer of ice packs on top and close the lid securely.
-
Keep the cooler out of direct sun to maintain interior temperature.
-
Drain melted ice as needed, replenishing with fresh ice to keep oysters chilled.
-
Avoid submerging oysters in fresh water, which can kill them.
Following this method keeps oysters surrounded by ideal damp chilling conditions. Take care not to tip or jostle the cooler to prevent spills or damage.
Handling Oysters Safely
Transporting and storing oysters properly helps keep them fresh. But food safety also means handling them correctly:
-
Discard any oysters with cracked shells before storage in the cooler.
-
When transporting, buckle the cooler securely to prevent shifting.
-
Don’t allow oysters to sit above 40°F for over 2 hours total time.
-
Serve oysters on ice or return to the cooler soon after opening.
-
Refrigerate shucked oyster meat at under 40°F and use within 7 days.
Follow these guidelines and your bushel of oysters will stay safe and delicious!
Alternative Cooler Options
While a 48-quart cooler is ideal, you have some other options if needed:
For Larger Batches:
-
Use multiple smaller coolers instead of one huge one.
-
Choose a cooler over 60-quarts to allow extra space.
-
Line the bottom with a layer of bagged ice for maximum chilling.
For Smaller Batches:
-
A 28-quart cooler can fit around 30 pounds of oysters.
-
Use a 16-quart model for 15 pounds or less.
-
You may need to refresh ice more often in smaller coolers.
No matter what size you choose, the goal is maintaining consistent cold temperatures. The cooler size should match the amount of oysters.
Storing Oysters Long-Term
For long-term storage spanning several weeks, consider:
-
Placing a damp towel in the bottom of the cooler before adding ice and oysters. This provides extra humidity.
-
Using freezer packs instead of plain ice to keep temperatures steady longer.
-
Getting a larger cooler than the minimum recommended size. This allows extra ice capacity for longer duration storage.
-
Checking the temperature every few days using a probe thermometer. Refill ice packs as needed.
Proper freezing can extend oyster shelf life even further. Handle frozen oysters carefully to prevent damage.
Enjoying Oysters Safely
With the right cooler setup and handling, you’ll be ready to enjoy fresh-shucked oysters. Keep just-opened oysters chilled on ice or in the cooler. Discard any with an unpleasant odor.
Some final serving tips:
-
Provide empty shells or a dish for empty shells to make cleanup easier
-
Offer lemon wedges, hot sauce, horseradish, or mignonette sauce for topping oysters
-
Have a glove and oyster knife available for shucking
-
Keep oysters cold – don’t let them sit out for over 2 hours
Follow these guidelines and your party guests will be able to indulge in delicious oysters just the way nature intended. Just be sure to shuck carefully!
The Takeaway
Getting the right cooler setup is the best way to keep a bushel of oysters fresh, safe, and ready for serving. A 48-quart hard cooler has the size and insulation to handle 60 pounds of oysters with ice or coolant packs.
Stack oysters flat in a single layer and surround them completely with chilled ice. Avoid submerging them in fresh water. Keep the cooler out of the sun and replenish ice as it melts.
Handle oysters carefully and discard any with broken shells. Refrigerate opened oysters and use within 2 days.
With the proper knowledge, you can store bushels of delicious oysters for your restaurant, seafood stand, or backyard oyster roast. Just remember – when in doubt, choose a larger cooler! Good chilling is the key to oyster bliss.
What Size Cooler To Use For Your Next Hunt?
FAQ
What size cooler do you need for a bushel of oysters?
How big is a bushel of oysters?
How many people will a bushel of oysters feed?
What size cooler for a bushel of crabs?
|
Cooler Size
|
Capable of Holding
|
|
20-30 qt
|
1 dozen
|
|
30-45 qt
|
1-2 dozen
|
|
45-60 qt
|
2-3 dozen
|
|
60+ qt
|
1/2+ Bushel(s)
|
Can you put oysters in a cooler?
You can start by adding some burlap to the bottom of your cooler to absorb excess melt, but it’s not necessary. Next, add a layer of ice to the bottom of your cooler, roughly 2-3” depending on how many oysters. After that, add the oysters trying to spread them as flatly as possible. Crack the drain holes on your cooler open and you’re good to go.
How to store oysters?
Avoid thawing them at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth. Cooking to the right temperature: Ensure that oysters are cooked to the proper internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to kill any potential bacteria or pathogens. In conclusion, understanding how to store oysters is crucial for ensuring their freshness, flavor, and safety.
What temperature should oysters be kept?
Oysters should be kept at a consistent temperature between 32°F and 45°F (0°C and 7°C) to slow down bacterial growth and maintain their freshness. Proper handling and storage techniques are essential to extend the shelf life of oysters. Avoid exposing oysters to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as this can accelerate spoilage.
Can you put oysters in a refrigerator?
Heat will transfer into your cooler from the bottom and sides first, so you want that heat hitting ice instead of oysters. Also, if you are using ice, this will keep the oysters sitting up on the ice and not down in the ice melt. Oysters and fresh water don’t go together. Once you get them home, they should go straight into your refrigerator.