Kumamoto Oysters
Kumamoto oysters are a small, deep-cupped variety of Pacific oyster prized for their mild, buttery flavor and crisp, cucumber-like finish. They are typically served raw on the half shell, often accompanied by a mignonette sauce, cocktail sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lemon. This specific cultivar originates from Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan and is now widely farmed along the Pacific coast of the United States.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is extremely low in carbohydrates and fat, while being an excellent source of lean protein and essential minerals like zinc, iron, and selenium. A typical serving of about six raw oysters contains roughly 50-70 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 48 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbs | 2.7 g |
| Fat | 1.6 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Zinc | 78 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 16.4 mcg |
| Iron | 5.1 mg |
| Selenium | 23.8 mcg |
| Copper | 1.4 mg |
| Vitamin D | 6.0 mcg |
| Manganese | 0.6 mg |
| Phosphorus | 97 mg |
Per 6 medium oysters (about 84 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Kumamoto oysters are famously known as 'cocktail oysters' due to their petite size and perfect, single-bite cup, making them a favorite for elegant appetizers. Nutritionally, they are a powerhouse, providing more than a day's recommended intake of zinc in just a few oysters, which is vital for immune function and metabolism.
