Several salt-water bivalve molluscs families are commonly known as oyster. Generally, these live in brackish or marine habitats. The shape of many oyster is irregular, but the valves of some species are highly classified.
Some oyster come under the Ostreoidea superfamily but not all. These sea animals are one of the most important characteristics of the ecosystem. Oyster filters water pollutants and works as habitat provider to other species.

You can find various oyster worldwide with different flavorful meat and briny. They are mainly popular for their aphrodisiac qualities. Oyster offer so many health benefits.
From the article below, you will learn so many things about oyster, like – oyster in Tamil, their cost, availability in the local area, popularity, health benefits of oyster, nutritional value, and many more.
English name | Oyster |
Tamil name | Cippi |
Kingdom | Animalia |
Class | Bivalvia |
Phylum | Mollusca |
Subclass | Pteriomorphia |
Family | Ostreidae |
Oyster in Tamil name
Cippi is the Tamil name of Oyster. It is bad to ask the local people or the local market for oyster if you are in a local area of South India. You have to use the name Cippi. But if you are in a big city or restaurant, you can ask them for oyster.
Health benefits of Oyster
1. Oysters are an amazing source of essential nutrients
Oyster is loaded with nutrients, minerals, and vitamins.
Zinc
One of the essential minerals the human body needs is zinc. It plays an important role in metabolism, immunity power, and the growth of cells. You can get 500% DV from a 100 grams oyster serving.
Vitamin B12
To maintain the nervous system, vitamin B12 helps. Mainly older adults have a deficiency of vitamin B12. They should consume oysters to maintain their vitamin level.
Iron
You need iron to prepare your body’s myoglobin, protein, and haemoglobin. These factors help to distribute oxygen throughout the whole body. People who have an iron deficiency can consume oysters to gain it.
Selenium
The mineral selenium helps maintain proper thyroid metabolism and functions. Selenium fights against oxidative stress as an antioxidant property.
2. Oyster is a great protein source
Oyster contains high-quality protein. You can get 9 grams of protein, a filling nutrient, from 100 grams of oyster serving. The human body needs nine types of amino acids present in oysters. Protein-rich food helps to boost weight loss more as compared to foods with high carbs or low fats.
3. Oyster Helps to lose weight
To encourage weight loss, your body needs protein which helps to keep you full for a long time. You can add protein-rich food, including Oyster, to your snacks or meal to feel full. These foods help to increase the level of cholecystokinin hormones which promotes fullness and works as a hunger stabiliser.
4. Oyster helps to reduce insulin resistance
High protein foods, including Oyster, can reduce insulin resistance. People who are suffering from type 2 diabetes should consume Oyster because it helps to decrease their heart disease risks in them.
5. Oysters have special antioxidants
Besides vitamins and minerals, oysters have DHMBA ( 3,5-Dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl alcohol), a unique antioxidant. This phenolic compound helps to display the effects of powerful antioxidants. As per some studies, DHMBA of Oysters is beneficial for the liver. It also helps to reduce LDL cholesterol oxidation.
Side effects of oyster
Although oysters provide many health benefits and nutritional value, it doesn’t mean they have no health risks. Food poisoning is the top concern when you consume raw oysters. There is a chance of bacterial contamination.
So cook Oyster properly before consuming. Undercooked Oyster leads to Hepatitis A, norovirus infection, and Vibrio infection. Some serious patients should also avoid oysters.
Different types of oyster
If you research well, you will know that there are so many types of oyster worldwide. This article will give information about common oysters with distinct and unique flavours, features, and characteristics that many people consume.
1. Pacific oyster ( Crassostrea Gigas )
Its other popular names are Japanese oyster or Miyagi oyster). Among all the species of oyster, Crassostrea is known as the most cosmopolitan. Nowadays, this species takes over the global production of shellfish aquaculture. But in the past, it was introduced to various countries for aquaculture.
The US is not the Native of Pacific oyster but generally cultivate there (Pacific coast of the United States ). The Pacific coast of Asia is the Native of this species. It has grown in Europe and the West Coast for a long time but, lately, in Australia, New Zealand, and North America.
You can easily recognise the Pacific oyster with its amazing greyish-blue-coloured shell with highly fluted edges. Shell’s interior part comes with white and a muscle scar, which is deep purple.
The growing procedure of this species is very fast. 10 to 15 cm is the average length of Crassostrea Gigasand its life span is 2 to 4 years.
It is less salty and sweeter compared to the Atlantic oyster. It is aromatic and has a flavour spectrum. It has a mixed flavour of melon, salty, and creamy.
2. Kumamoto Oyster ( Crassostrea Sikamea )
It is a Pacific oyster sub-species. It is named according to its origin place, situated in Japan and has recently extended through Taiwan, Korea, and Southern China. The growing area of this Japanese Oyster is the West Coast of North America and the Pacific Northwest. Kumamoto Oyster is similar to other types in its irregular valves and shape.
This variety is quite small and can grow up to 60 mm. It has tumbled shells which come in green colour with small and round sports. Its meat is creamy, and it has a finish like honeydew. Its flesh is coupled with a flavour of mild briny.
Because of its fruity, salty flavour, and highly fluted and sculptured cells with deep cups, it is also known as the Chardonnay of oyster. It is also popular among oyster lovers in the name of Kumies. Kumamoto loves warm water.
3. Belon Oyster ( Ostrea Edulis)
This variety of oyster is mostly popular as European Flat Oyster. Europe is its origin. Its true belonging is the Belon River which is situated in Brittany. Compared to other cousin oyster, the European flat Oyster or Belons have round-shaped flat shells, and their cups are less defined. Most people called them plates because of their appearance as small saucers.
The meat of Belon is creamy, and its colour is light brown. It has a well-pronounced and well-defined flavour of metal. It has a coppery finish. It has sweet overtones and is less salty than eastern oyster. You can see its changing color to ivory after you start cooking it.
It has to be packed and stored in a manner of cup-down to retain its liquor because its surface is very flat.
4. Olympia oyster (Ostrea Lurida )
The name of this species is followed by Olympia, Washington. Its origin is North America’s coast of the northern Pacific. Only this oyster species are found on Canada’s west coast. Other Olympia oyster names are – Rock oyster, California oyster, and Native Oyster.
Olympia oyster is widely used all over the world as a cocktail oyster. It is much similar to the Conchapila oyster. The anatomical characteristics of these two species are very close.
The shells of Olympia oysters vary from each other. Typically, shells are rounded or elongated. The color of their shells ranges from white to purplish black with some yellow or brown stripes. The flesh color of the Olympia oyster spots a light green or beautiful white. The family of European flats and Olympia is similar, but Olympia is small in size. The average diameter size of this species is identical to the size of a nickel and quarter.
Although this variety is small, it is very popular because of its coppery flavor, long-lasting metallic taste, and sweet celery.
5. Sydney rock oyster ( Saccostrea Glomerata)
Some popular names of Sydney rock are – New Zealand oyster and Auckland oyster. The natives of this species are in Australia and New Zealand. Ten years is the average life span of this species. Western Rock Oyster or Rock Oyster is a common and popular name. 6 to 8 cm is the average length of its shells. Compared to other varieties of oyster, it is small in size.
You can easily recognise it with the help of its comparatively flattering shells, and it has a less salty and flinty flavor. September to March is its peak season. Sydney rock oyster has smooth and thick shells coupled with small teeth. The color of its muscle scar is very pale.
In terms of sweet, mild flavor and deep cups, rock oyster resemble Kumamoto oyster. They can live up to 14 days after shucking up if you handle them carefully and provide the right temperature.
6. Eastern Oyster ( Crassostrea Virginica )
It is also known as the Atlantic oyster. It is an indigenous oyster available in small quantities in North America. Virginia oyster and Wellfleet Oyster are some common names of this variety. It is used mostly for commercial purposes. The shells of this Oyster protect from predators, and the shell consists of a strong calcium-carbonaceous.
Eastern Oyster has a metallic and salty flavour, and the muscle scar is deep purple. Its size is very large. Its crispy texture and savoury finish make it famous in the culinary market. 10 cm is the average length of this variety, and its shell has an outline of a pear shape.
Reference- homestratosphere
Nutritional value of Oyster
Oyster has a plump and grey inner body. Its shell is irregular and very hard, protecting the inner body. The inner body is the meat or flesh of an Oyster full of nutrients. A serving ( 100 grams ) of wild eastern Oyster, which is cooked can provide –
Nutrients | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 79 kcal |
Carbs | 4 grams |
Protein | 9 grams |
Fat | 3 grams |
Calcium | 7% of the DV |
Riboflavin | 9% of the DV |
Vitamin B12 | 538% of the DV |
Phosphorus | 12% of the DV |
Zinc | 555% of the DV |
Manganese | 20% of the DV |
Copper | 493% of the DV |
Iron | 40% of the DV |
Selenium | 56% of the DV |
Oysters are full of nutrients, including healthy fats, protein, minerals, and vitamins but low in calories. You can get more than 100% of the DV for zinc, copper, and vitamin B12 from a 100-gram serving of Oyster. It also contains a good quantity of manganese, iron, and selenium.
This seafood is also an excellent source of omega – 3 fatty acids, a polyunsaturated fat. It helps to support brain and heart health, regulates inflammation, and protects from type-2 diabetes.
Cost of Oyster in Tamil areas
The average cost of 1 kg of oysters in India is Rs 200. The price may vary depending upon the place from where you buy and the type. In Chennai, you can buy oysters by spending Rs 210 per kg. You can get 13 to 15 medium-sized oysters in 1 kg. You can get 1 kg of fresh oyster meat in Kakinada by spending Rs 300 to Rs 350 per kg.
Availability and popularity of Oyster in Tamil-telling areas ( Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, etc.)
Oyster inhabits creeks, lagoons, backwaters, and bays. You can see oysters in Karnataka, Orissa, and Andhra Pradesh in India. In India, Tamil Nadu has one of the most resources of Oyster. You can find small oyster beds in Karnataka and Kerala. You can find pearl oysters along with Gulf Mannar from the Tamil Nadu State coast. So there is no deficiency of oysters you can see in South India.
Some countries out of India eat raw oysters, but Indian people, including South India, love to consume oysters after cooking.
Famous recipes of Oyster in Tamil areas

Grilled Oyster, butter and herb baked Oyster, garlic oyster, baked Oyster with bacon, cheese baked Oyster, oyster Kilpatrick, oven-roasted Oyster, oysters Rockefeller are some popular oyster recipes.
Some Indian-styled oyster recipes include oyster mushroom curry, shallow fried Oyster, oyster chilli, etc.
Some photos of oyster



Conclusion
You can count oysters as good shellfish full of nutrients and provide many health benefits. Oysters are rich in minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins. If you truly love seafood, you should try Oysters – the nutrient-dense and tasty molluscs. There are some harmful bacteria present in raw oysters. So you have to cook them properly before eating.
Hope you got all your doubts clear about oysters from the above article, like – oyster in Tamil, their cost, health benefits, the nutritional value of oysters, popularity, availability, and many more.
Frequently asked questions
What are the types of oysters?
There is a huge variety of oysters you can see all over the world. But some popular types are –
1. Pacific oyster ( Crassostrea Gigas )
2. Kumamoto Oyster ( Crassostrea Sikamea )
3. Belon Oyster ( Ostrea Edulis )
4. Olympia oyster ( Conchapila or Ostrea Lurida )
5. Sydney Rock Oyster ( Saccostrea Glomerata )
6. Easern Oyster ( Crassostrea Virginica )
7. Well Fleet oyster
8. Blue Point oyster
9. Misty Point oyster
10. Beausoleil Oyster
What are the health benefits of oysters?
1. It reduces bad cholesterol and protects the heart.
2. It helps to boost the immunity power and boost the wound healing process.
3. It helps to grow muscles and repair tissues.
4. It helps increase bone mineral density and durability and promotes bone health.
5. It fights against free radicals.
6. It helps red blood cell formation and avoids anaemia.
Who should avoid consuming oysters?
You may fall sick by consuming raw oysters. The people who are suffering from the below diseases should avoid Oyster –
1. Diabetes
2. Cancer
3. Liver disease
4. HIV infection
5. Excessive alcohol consumers
6. Stomach disease
7. Chronic bowel