One of the greatest things about living near the ocean is the availability of seafood. Those of us unlucky enough to live in a land-locked location, however, can still reap the culinary benefits of a sea-side lifestyle. With availability increasing daily, an inventive chef can buy fresh oysters, clams, lobster, and other seafood easily and relatively inexpensively.

One of the best places to buy fresh oysters is the Internet. Many small retailers have taken advantage of the ability to reach previously unheard-of markets, branching their businesses out to reach all areas of the country to offer their products. Oysters are usually priced by the dozen and shipped overnight in temperature-controlled containers for the freshest experience possible without actually harvesting the oysters yourself.

Oysters are shipped live and should be harvested immediately after the order is received, guaranteeing that the oysters will be fresh, firm, and delicious. For a small fee, most retailers will shuck, or de-shell, the oysters for you. This results in a slightly more aged oyster, as the mollusk isn't still living as it's shipped, but the convenience of not having to shuck the oysters may outweigh the small hold time that shucking prior to shipping entails.

Shucked oysters are packed in their own liquor, which is the natural fluid found within the oyster's shell. Fresh oysters should be refrigerated and can be kept in a very loosely covered container for up to two days.

After you buy fresh oysters, there are many different ways to prepare and eat them. The oldest and probably most popular way to enjoy them is on the half shell. The oysters are lightly steamed for 15-20 minutes or until the shells begin to open or the oyster makes a hollow noise when the shell is tapped.

In some cases, steaming is thought of as unnecessary, and oysters are eaten raw, straight out of the shell. Oysters can also be shucked prior to cooking and added to your favorite casserole, stuffing, or pasta. Oysters are also available smoked for a different taste sensation.

The Internet makes it easy to buy fresh oysters and other seafood. Whether you live on the coast or deep in the heartland, a delicious and nutritious meal is just a mouse click away.