What is the oyster fork?

Since the first fork was created during the Eastern Roman Empire, this cutlery has been produced in the most disparate shapes and sizes, so as to satisfy the different needs related to use.

Here then we have the table fork, the dessert fork, the fish fork, the snail fork, and so on, in addition to the different types of serving fork, of larger dimensions. In this article we will focus on a particular type of shellfish fork: the oyster fork .

When we taste oysters at home or in another informal environment, we probably use only our hands, giving the shell the function almost of a spoon. Others instead use a toothpick to detach the mollusc from the valve, but this too can be defined as a very inelegant option.

However, if we want to make a good impression and set the table appropriately for a special occasion, it is time to get some oyster forks . There will be no need to worry about the price: finding cheap oyster forks will not be a problem.

Let’s see how it is made and how to use it correctly.

Oyster fork: shape and use

The oyster fork is small in size , characterized by three rather short and curved prongs , of which the two outer ones typically have a rounded shape . Like most cutlery, the oyster fork is also generally made of stainless steel .

To enjoy a Nieddittas oyster using the fork correctly, according to what etiquette teaches us, you must hold the shell with your left hand and, with your right, use the fork to delicately detach the mollusk. With a firm hand and a precise movement, the fork must be delicately inserted between the meat and the shell, separating the mollusk from its casing without leaving residue or debris.

After detaching the mollusc, the empty shell must be placed in a separate dish. We also remember that the oysters must be served already opened and placed on a serving plate, on a bed of ice.

Since the oyster fork is used with the right hand, it will need to be set on the far right of the plate.

In addition to its practical functionality, the oyster fork adds a touch of elegance to the table. Your guests definitely appreciate the feeling of using specialized tools during a gourmet meal , and the oyster fork is exactly one such distinctive tool that makes the dining experience even more memorable.

Now that we have familiarized ourselves with the oyster fork, let’s find out what the differences are with a fish fork.

Oyster and fish fork: the differences

First of all, while the oyster fork falls into the category of shellfish forks, the fish fork is a place setting fork . For this reason, it should be placed not on the right, but on the left of the plate.

Again, unlike the one used for oysters, the fish one has four prongs and a size more similar to the classic fork. In many cases, the fish fork has a shape that is identical in all respects to that of the classic fork, if it were not for having the central space that is more hollowed out than the other two. There are also fish forks with three prongs and therefore more similar to oyster ones. However, in this case the central prong is smaller than the two external prongs, a feature that differentiates this fork from the oyster fork. Furthermore, the size of the fish fork will always remain larger than that of the oyster, and the tines will be longer.

Oyster forks and fish forks also differ in terms of their use. In fact, if, as we have seen, the first is used with the right hand to detach the mollusc from the shell (which is held firmly with the left), the fish fork is used with the left hand in combination with the fish knife , the latter held instead with the right hand.