Is it true that clams and mussels should not be harvested in Months containing an "R"?

Hello Bernadette,

Thank you for your question to Ask an Islander.

Foodie tradition dictates only eating oysters and mussels in months with the letter “r” – from September to April – to avoid watery shellfish, or worse, the possibility of food poisoning. I recently read in an article suggesting people have been following this practice for at least 4,000 years. Fortunately, with education, enforcement, new technology and awareness we can enjoy both year-round!

The reason behind avoiding oysters and mussels during the warmest months was to avoid shellfish that might not taste good or, even worse, be unsafe to eat. Back when we had only wild oysters and mussels, the season was a factor for several reasons. Wild oysters and mussels spawn in the summer when the water is warmest. In many places, oyster/mussel seasons closed during that period to give the oysters/mussels the opportunity to reproduce, yielding a more generous and sustainable harvest later in the year. Another reason is that spawning oysters are small, watery, and have unpleasant off-taste. No one wants to eat a flimsy, bitter oyster. Also, the wild mussels tended to be more gritty in the spring and summer with the movement of the water, while the seabed tended to be less active in the winter, making months with the letter "r" a great choice for harvesting and eating. 

Now, with modern-day oyster and mussel farming and strict environmental rules and enforcement, it's safe to eat oysters year-round. Farmed oysters are grown in a controlled environment, starting in a hatchery and then moved to the water to grow.  Often, they are more uniform in size and shape than their wild counterparts. Farmed mussels are grown off the seabed in suspended mesh socks. Making for a much more delicious treat.

Come visit Prince Edward Island and visit an oyster shop or meet up with someone who can tell you about mussel farming and enjoy many delicious mussels and oysters served around the Island. 

Thanks for your question!

Erin Davis