Observed annually on the 5th of August, this food holiday celebrates meals made with the little mollusks, whether they be freshly shucked and paired with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or fried, baked, or chargrilled and served with a cold beer.

Oysters were prized by the ancient Greeks and Romans for their flavor and aphrodisiac qualities.

In the 1600s, American colonists were using oysters as a staple food and by the 19th century, the oyster industry flourished in cities like New York and New Orleans.

Today, oysters are widely available. Look for them in markets this week and watch for specials oyster bars and seafood restaurants,