Know this
Small, deep-cupped, sweet and buttery with barely any brine and a clean cucumber finish. This is the oyster that wins over people who swear they hate oysters.
Cook
Raw on ice with lemon or a single drop of mignonette. Never cook a Kumamoto, you would be hiding the best part.
Season
Fall and winter, the classic R months.
Best pairings
lemon · mignonette · cucumber · crusty bread · cold butter · chives
Also worth trying: shallot, champagne vinegar, hot sauce, radish, brown bread, seaweed, cracked pepper, cocktail sauce.
Recommended wine
A bone-dry sparkler or crisp white. Champagne, Muscadet, or Chablis. Around $20 to $45.
See the full pairing guide