OYSTERS

They are known for their aphrodisiac effect, the Romans loved them (they carried theirs from northern European coasts across the Alps packed deep in baskets of ice, snow and hay in pack horses, and the Roman entrepreneur, Sergius Orata, gave wild parties gorging on thousands from of his own grown beds at Baiae, near Naples, in 95BC), but most importantly, oysters are the richest source of Zinc, a micro-mineral essential to the formation and protection of healthy skin. In fact, one oyster gives you your daily dose.
September sees the start of the British native oyster season. Traditionally oysters are said to be in season when there is an ‘r’ in the month, though you can eat farmed oysters all year around, but the wild ones are protected from May to August when they are breading, cited by an ancient act of parliament.  You can find Native Oysters (Ostrea edulis) which are roundish in shape, Rock Oysters (Crassostrea angulata) that are longer and rougher looking, or Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) also known as Japanese oysters that are becoming increasingly available in the British waters. The best are the succulent Natives – we love Colchester (that’s why the Romans settled there), Rossmore, Whitestable and The Duchy of Cornwall oysters from the beautiful Helford estuary.

Thomasina Miers
"Buy some fresh oysters from your local fishmonger along with an oyster knife to open them.  The trick is to insert the knife into the little hinge along the side of the oyster, with the flat side facing up and wiggle it around a bit to loosen the lid.  Then slide it along the top of the top lid of the oyster to slice off the muscle holding the oyster to the lid.  Slide the top off and douse in shallots macerated in white wine vinegar, or a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dash of Tabasco.
Alternatively pay minions to open lots for you and shall fry them in a crisp coating of sourdough breadcrumbs and serve with a fennel and olive salsa.  Yum."

However, if oysters are not your thing, spinach is another great source of zinc. Try Thomasina Miers' delicious Spinach Pastilla Pie...