Tag: Summer seafood

According to the age-old "R-month rule," oysters should only be consumed in months with the letter 'R' in their name. The primary reasons why you should not eat oysters in July, and the other summer months, relate to historical food safety risks, the oysters' spawning cycle, and the resulting impact on their flavor.

The old saying, "only eat shellfish in months with an 'R'," dates back to a time before modern refrigeration. This historical advice suggested avoiding shellfish in May, June, July, and August due to warm weather spoilage concerns. Today, however, you can safely enjoy seafood year-round, as seasonality now primarily influences flavor and texture rather than safety.