The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds cover image

The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds

599 - The New York Oysters - part two

Sep 12, 2023
Discover the fascinating history of oysters in New York Harbor, from their booming popularity to scandalous associations. Explore the decline of Fulton Street market and the depletion of oyster beds, as well as the rise of lobster palaces and gluttonous eating contests. Learn about the environmental impact of pollution on sea life and the ethical concerns of boiling lobsters alive. Reflect on the consequences of capitalism on the environment and the surprising oyster story that unfolds throughout the podcast.
01:21:35

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • New York's oyster industry boomed in the late 1800s, with oysters being enjoyed by all except English visitors, and they were associated with the red light district.
  • Pollution in New York Harbor led to the decline of oyster quality, taste, and health, impacting other seafood industries as well.

Deep dives

The Rise and Fall of New York Oysters

New York experiences an oyster boom in the late 1800s, with oysters being eaten by everyone except English visitors. Oysters were sold in luxurious to sleazy oyster sellers all over the city, and people consumed inconceivable quantities, with some even eating several dozen oysters in one sitting. Oysters were considered an aphrodisiac and were associated with the red light district. There were oyster competitions, shucking rivalries, and even shocking contests on national levels. However, New York's oyster industry was plagued by pollution, as sewage and factory waste contaminated the water. The pollution caused health concerns, such as typhoid outbreaks, leading to the banning of raw oysters. Despite efforts to purify oysters, pollution continued to increase, and eventually, oystering in New York Harbor came to an end, along with clamming, lobstering, and fishing.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode