[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.
To keep oysters alive, they must be stored so that they can breath. Never store them in airtight containers. Line the oysters flat-side up on a large tray or baking sheet and cover with a damp cloth or damp paper towel.Do not store them in cold water, as oysters die in fresh water.Keep them in the refrigerator at 36 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature 35 degrees or lower, the oysters will die. If you harvested the oysters yourself, make sure you get them in the refrigerator within 1Â½ hours after harvesting.ever store them in airtight containers. Line the oysters flat-side up on a large tray or baking sheet and cover with a damp cloth or damp paper towel. Do not store them in cold water, as oysters die in fresh water. Keep them in the refrigerator at 36 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.