Thaw the crabs overnight in the refrigerator only. Thawing under running tap water washes away the flavor. Oysters Preparation Thoroughly wash and scrub all mud and debris from the shells. This is best done with a garden hose and scrub brush. Make sure that the oysters are alive.
Live oysters hold their shells tightly closed.
Live oysters will respond by closing their shells tightly. Unresponsive oysters are dead and should be discarded. To shuck whole oysters, use cotton gloves and an oyster knife, which has a heavy, wedge-shaped blade and handle, often made in one piece. It is designed to withstand the pressure required to open oysters. Never use a sharp knife.