Oysters

Most people know that a pearl is formed from having an irritant inside of the oyster. It secrets layers of mother-of-pearl to protect its body from the irritant, thus creating a pearl. It takes two to three years to produce a good size pearl.

Pearls were discovered by the Chinese about 4,000 years ago. Historically, pearl divers dove up to 80 feet with equipment no more sophisticated than nose clips. They would scoop up the shells with their hands and bring them up to waiting tubs.

Good quality pearls can be VERY expensive and like diamonds, color, size, clarity and etc. determine the valueOysters grow on oyster reefs and one of the best area's is the Chesapeake Bay.

An oyster matures in 1 year and at that time will release sperm into the water..mature females release eggs into the water and more oysters are created.......Up to 100 million from one male and one female and no hanky panky!

Of course not all oysters have a irritant in it but the Japanese have discovered that you can surgically insert one and it will produce a perfect pearl.

Millions of oysters become an appetizer at the local restaurant and crabs are one of the oysters predators which is even better for those of us who won't eat these, but love crab.

They provide entertainment on the beach as people stroll and gather them and some go home to
become a scoop for our bath salt

others may end up as a pretty sever for another appetizer

What an amazing little creature the oyster is and how I wish the irritants in my life created a pearl instead of an outburst!