L E V E L 1
Oyster Appreciation Fundamentals
This course covers the foundational knowledge and skills of oyster appreciation, including oyster species & appellations of North America, oyster biology, a bit of oyster history, how to taste and describe oysters, how to shuck oysters properly, sustainability, nutrition, how to select and buy oysters, and how to give and get the best oyster experiences. No prior experience necessary!
C E R T I F I C A T I O N
Level 1 Oyster Ambassador Certification is awarded when you pass the L1 Qualification Exam. The Exam is only given to students who enroll in the L1 Course.
Who this course is designed for
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Oyster Enthusiasts
From oyster fanatics to the bivalve curious, you want to learn more about what you’re eating and how to get the best experiences.
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Beverage Specialists
Wine, beer, cider, sake, spirits, and cocktail specialists who love oysters and are exploring how to incorporate them into your business.
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Restaurant Staff
The restaurant or bar that you work at serves oysters and you want to become more familiar with them to serve your customers better.
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Oyster Growers
New oyster farmers, harvesters or hobbyist oyster gardeners who want to be better versed in how to enjoy and speak about oysters.
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Hospitality Professionals
You work in travel, hospitality, events, experience design and want to offer more oyster-focused products and services.
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Food Writers & Creators
You craft food, drink, and sustainability stories and have already fallen in love with oysters and want to dive deeper into the oyster world.
Online learning benefits
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Start at any time
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Go at your own pace
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Engaging videos
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Quizzes and Q&As
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Links to resources
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Downloadable notes
What you will learn
Module 1: How to speak knowledgeably about the oyster
The five oyster species found in North America
Native versus non-native species, other notable global species
Estuaries and the oyster’s role
Nutritional profile and benefits
Oyster culture and consumption today vs back in the day
From street cart to the chef’s table
Commodity to a brand experience
Top oyster events and destinations
Debunking pervasive myths
Module 2: Evolution of oyster production, from wild to farmed
Traditional, extensive, and intensive oyster cultivation
The human touch: conditioning, finishing and processing
Storage at the farm, distributor, retail/restaurant
Technology (traceability, equipment, depuration)
Product innovations and other applications
Global oyster production landscape overview
Future of oysters: extinction of wild oyster reefs, oyster reef restoration
Module 3: How to identify, taste and describe oysters
Merroir and the three key elements that influence it
Identifying and evaluating oyster quality by species
How to taste an oyster like an oyster sommelier
How to describe an oyster
Tasting order and equipment
Key Appellations of North America: overview of regions
OMG’s Structured Oyster Tasting Approach (Level 1)
Module 4: How to open oysters safely, properly, and with style
Well shucked oysters vs poorly shucked oysters, why it matters
Basic oyster anatomy
Shucking equipment
Four methods of opening an oyster and when to use them
Oyster shucking hacks that work and don’t work
Dud detector: what to look for, what to smell for, when to toss
Setting up the shucking station for success
Troubleshooting problematic oysters
Module 5: How to select and buy oysters
Oyster supply chain steps: from the water to you
Retail wholesale pricing: what you’re paying for
Oyster packaging, product formats, grading
At the seafood counter / shop: what to look for / what to avoid
Defining quality and tips for getting the best quality oysters
Benefits of buying direct vs indirect (via retailer or marketplace)
Shelf life and how to maximize it
Hiring oyster pros for your event
Module 6: Getting and giving the best oyster experience possible
Anatomy of a great oyster bar
Navigating awkward raw bar situations
Oyster happy hours: worth it?
Where and when to travel for oysters
Basic toppings
Beverage pairings
Food pairings
Hiring oyster pros for your event
Scholarship Opportunity
2024 Scholarship Applications are now closed. Scholarship recipients will be notified on or by February 12, 2024.
The Jetty Rock Foundation has committed to providing eight individuals with financial support to cover the cost of the Level 1 Oyster Appreciation Fundamentals Online Course & Qualification Exam. Learn more