Oysters are frequently marketed live in the shell. They are also sold fresh or frozen, as canned meats, or frozen and breaded. Live oysters are sold by the dozen, by the bushel bag, or in bushel-fraction boxes. Six live oysters per person is a normal portion, although many people will eat more. If you purchase oysters in the shell, make sure that they are alive.
Live oysters hold their shells tightly closed.
Live oysters will respond by closing their shells tightly. Oysters that do not respond are dead and should be discarded. When purchasing freshly shucked oyster meats, choose oysters that are plump and have a natural creamy color and clear liquid. Raw molluscan shellfish should only be purchased from reputable dealers. All shellstock oysters are required to have an accompanying tag that allows the buyer to trace the oysters back to their point of harvest.