Oysters [Photo by Pauline D. Loh/China Daily]

Ingredients:

12 very fresh large oysters, shucked

Crushed ice

1 lemon, sliced

Lemon halves to serve

Sea salt crystals

Method:

1. Buy the oysters whole and get your fishmonger to shell them. Keep each oyster on the half shell.

2. Pile crushed ice onto a large platter. Sit the oysters firmly on the ice and decorate with lemon slices.

3. Place the sea salt crystals on a little saucer and place a flake or two on each oyster. The salt will refresh the fragrant smell of the sea in the oysters.

4. Squeeze as much or as little lemon juice over the oysters. Eat and enjoy.

Contact the writer at paulined@chinadaily.com.cn.