Oysters are a type of shellfish that contain a small, tender piece of meat within a tough hinged outer shell. If you're going to eat fresh oysters, you must purchase them live and keep them alive until you cook them or else the meat will go bad. Surplus amounts of oysters can be a challenge to deal with because you can't store them as easily as leftover meat. Fortunately if you purchase more fresh oysters than you can prepare at once, you can freeze the excess.
Instructions
1. Turn on your faucet and run the cold water over the fresh uncooked oysters. Scrub the outside shells with a scrubbing brush to remove any dirt or grime. Examine the oyster shells to ensure none of them have started to open; if so, discard the open ones immediately.
2. Position a strainer into the center of a large bowl, then place all your fresh uncooked oysters into the strainer. Insert a sharp knife into the hinged portion of an oyster shell and pry it open forcefully. Slice out the small inner meat into the strainer and let the inside liquid drain into the strainer.
3. Repeat the process with your remaining oysters. Pick out and discard any pieces of sand or other debris sticking to the oysters.
4. Place the oysters into the bottom of a gallon-sized plastic freezer bag, leaving at least 1/2 inch of space open at the top of the bag. Remove and set aside the strainer, then pour the liquid from the bottom of the bowl directly into the freezer bag. Make sure the oysters are all thoroughly covered in the liquid.
5. Squeeze out as much excess air from the plastic bag as possible, then close it securely. Place in your freezer for up to six months. Transfer to your refrigerator to thaw when you're ready to use the frozen oysters.
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