[This essay was put together after Emerson's death from a number of commencement and similar addresses he had made. It appears in The Complete Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson, edited by Edward Emerson].
Freshly shucked oysters can be immersed in water and placed in shallow, air-tight containers in the freezer. Freezer temperatures should be below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Oysters can be frozen for up to three months.
Storing oysters. It is best to buy oysters from a reliable source so that you know that they are good quality. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but should really be eaten as soon as possible after purchase. If eating the oysters raw, they should be consumed immediately after shucking (opening).Store the oysters on a large tray or plate, covered with a damp tea towel in the refrigerator until you are ready to prepare them.hen you are ready to serve the oysters, if you are going to eat them in the traditional way, scrub the shells under cold running water with a brush to remove any dirt and debris. Discard any shells that are open, cracked or damaged. Allow 6 - 12 oysters per person.