Oysters are bivalves that have been eaten with pleasure for thousands of years. Both natural and cultivated oyster beds exist throughout the world. Here we see opened oysters and one method of harvesting them by dredging the sea floor. (Hughes Food History Archives)

Another oyster cultivation method is shown here. French workers reach the beds at low tide. (Hughes Food History Archives)

Oyster shucking leaves behind mountains of shells at this operation in Mississippi on the Gulf of Mexico. (Hughes Food History Archives)

Oyster- flavored sauce from China. (Hughes Food History Archives)