Oystermaniac Quiz Answers

1. (B) The Pacific oyster is the only species that growers may import as seedlings under state regulations designed to protect indigenous marine species.
2. (B) Oysters were an essential appetizer at Roman orgies and Casanova credited the oyster with enhancing his prowess in the boudoir. Despite years of research, oyster farmers haven't been able to disprove this theory.
3. (A) At this rate, world shucking champ Mike Racz would have exerted pull equal to one ton when he opened 100 oysters in 2 minutes, 20.07 seconds in New Zealand in 1990.
4. (C) Oysters were planted on beaches in Southeast in the 1930s, but the state's oldest farming operation was started in 1983.
5. (E) Oysters are nature's most concentrated source of trace minerals, such as zinc, iron and phosphorous, which are believed to contribute to the efficiency of the sex glands. Oysters also are excellent sources of protein and vitamins, but are relatively low in cholesterol.
6. (C) Oysters filter phytoplankton from water pumped through a delicate set of gills. In the quest of a good meal, a healthy adult oyster can pump up to 150 gallons of water a day when conditions are favorable.
7. (D) The San Francisco signature breakfast reportedly was a favorite exotic last meal for condemned prisoners during the Gold Rush of 1849. A very expensive meal for early 49ers when the ingredients were transported around Cape Horn.
8. (A) Alaska's first shellfish hatchery was started in Seward in 1994. The fledgling hatchery supplies only a small portion of the demand for seed oysters or spat among Alaska farmers. Most spat is purchased from nurseries in Washington and California.
9. (F) Almost all Alaska oysters spend coddled lives in "lantern nets" suspended in 30-80 feet of water. These culture techniques give the oysters a much different appearance and taste than most oysters which are grown on the beach.
10. (A) Alaska oysters are available at many fine restaurants and supermarkets.

How did you fare as an Oystermaniac?

(0 - 1) Oysters are a brain food. You better have a dozen. (2 - 4) You've tipped a few shells. (5 - 7) You must own a shucking knife. (8 - 9) You're either a whiz at multiple choice or an Alaska oyster farmer. (10) Congratulations, you are a certified Alaska Oystermaniac.