Oysters have always been linked with love, when Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, sprang forth from the sea on an oyster shell and gave birth to Eros, the word “Aphrodisiac” was born.

Around AD 766, the Roman Emperor Vitellus was famed for eating oysters, he ordered thousands of slaves to gather native oysters (Ostrea edulis) from the Blackwater and Colne estuaries and he had the oysters transported back to Rome in snow covered baskets to preserve them.

Never before had Rome seen such a humble creature arouse such a passionate feeling, Vitellus declared he preferred oysters to grapes and declared oysters were the only good thing in Britain

The ladies of the court regularly dined on oysters dipped in honey to aid their libido.

Apuleius, famed for his work the “The Golden Ass” written in AD125 reputedly made a love potion of oysters with which to seduce Aemilla.

Casanova is said to have consumed more than 60 oysters a day, this is hardly surprising as oysters are rich in zinc, which is needed for male fertility.

The Oysters natural aphrodisiac quality is dependent pharmacologically upon its dopamine content which is normally quite high in cold water British Oysters. Dopamine is a vital neurotransmitter which governs and influences sexual desire in both male and females. It intensifies sexual interest and sensation.

Archaeologists have found shells of Blackwater oysters in Neolithic settlements, Roman settlements and even in Imperial Roman villas. It is generally accepted that oysters  were not farmed in the Blackwater until the 11th century when reference is made to Maldon’s rights over the River Blackwater and Colne , at this time it is assumed that the oystermen had no methods of farming but merely collected wild oysters.
 

Although it is known that Maldon Corporation issued licence's to dredge for mussels, oysters and floating fish prior to 1587, the only list of tenants that survives is one from 1587, this provides a complete list of tenants and stipulates that as part of the tenancy the tenant had to ensure the grounds were free from starfish and tingles, which is proof that oyster farming was being carried out by this time.

The first company to be granted a lease was the Blackwater Oyster Breeding Company in 1878 which was replaced by the Maldon Oyster Company in 1960.

Are oysters good for you? Well the answer is yes, with only 75 calories per dozen oysters what a great diet when eaten three times a day, and a guaranteed improvement in your sex life.

All shell fish contain natural polyunsaturated oils known as Omega 3 fatty acids, these essential oils are vital to clear arteries, they are essential to the nervous system.

Oysters are good for people suffering from high blood pressure and too much cholesterol.

Oysters contain Vitamins A, B1, B2, C and D, they also contain Calcium, Iodine, Magnesium, Iron, Potassium, Copper, Sodium, Manganese and Sulphur so forget about taking vitamin pills just eat a dozen oysters a day!

On vary rare occasions people have a mild allergic reaction to oysters, if this happens they are likely to be allergic to all shellfish.

If you pick up an oyster that is growing wild on a beach be careful as to the quality of the water it is growing in. Oysters can filter up to 10 litres of water an hour if there is any pollution in the water it will be taken in by the oyster. All our oysters are tested for pollutants on a regular basis, as is our water, so we ensure our oysters are edible straight from our beds.

But to ensure there are no health problems all our oysters are depurated in water that passes through an ultra violet filter system for a minimum of 48 hours to kill any bacteria that may have been present at time of harvest.

This process is monitored by the local public health authority and DEFRA.

Our biggest concern as Oyster farmers is what happens to the Oysters when they leave our premises. Only buy from a reputable fish merchant or restaurant that rotate their stock to ensure quality freshness.