Oysters: you either love ‘em, or you hate ‘em. These naughty molluscs are probably the most notorious aphrodisiac in the world, and even if you don’t get lucky, you can rest in the knowledge that the health benefits associated with oysters more than make up for the (lack of) consequences!

Oysters are low in cholesterol and rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to a reduction in heart disease. Fans of Knysna oysters will be glad to know that they are endorsed by the South African Heart Foundation as they are completely natural (there is nothing injected into them).

Oysters are also rich in Vitamins A, B2, B12 and C, and 12 natural oysters yield little more than 100 calories. So while our scientific friends are up in arms about the actual aphrodisiac properties of oysters, one can’t ignore the fact that there are certain foods that do get the ol’ blood flowing and temperature soaring.

The Knysna Oyster Festival
Everyone’s favourite town also happens to host everyone’s favourite festival. Now in its 22nd year, the multi-faceted Pick ‘n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival (July 1-10) offers events suitable for the whole family. In paying tribute to the famous local mollusc, this year promises a multitude of sporting and leisure activities that make it one of the most enduring festivals in Africa.

Essentially a celebration of sport and the good life, traditional favourites of the festival include the Ladies Night, the Waitron Race, the Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour (a two-day festival of cycling), the unique Knysna Forest Marathon and Half Marathon (with the thrill of an early morning start in the spectacular Knysna forest), the famous Oyster Cooking Competition and the Oyster Eating Competition organised by the SA Chefs Association.

Held at the Long Barn, this is one party you cannot afford to miss, especially as this year will include an attempt to break last year’s Guinness Record of 24 oysters eaten in one minute and eight seconds!

READ MORE...
From the June/July 2005 issue of Cape etc. magazine.
"We supply up to 200 000 oysters for the festival, and we’re hoping for 250 000 oysters this year," says Knysna Oyster Co. Manager Rudi Conradie. "And last year we gave 10c to the kids for each oyster sold, so this year our fingers are crossed!"

The first Oyster Festival took place in 1983 and was the brainchild of the late local businessman Dick Ginsberg. He and Rose Smith from the then Knysna Publicity Office organised the Knysna Winter Festival, which featured rugby, golf, squash and bowls, with the purpose of attracting people to Knysna during the quieter winter period.

For more details on the Knysna Oyster Festival, call Knysna Tourism on (044) 382 5510 or go to www.oysterfestival.co.za.

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