Knysna Oysters

The ancient Chinese are thought to have been the first to cultivate them, the Greeks were doing it 6 000 years ago and the Red Indians of North America invented the oyster stew. We know that the Romans were crazy about them - they were required eating at every reputable Roman orgy. And that Casanova, history's greatest lover, owed his ability in the boudoir to them.

The Oyster is probably Knysna's favourite delicacy and its best-known export. No visit to South Africa's Favourite Town would be complete without a plateful of them - and it is also an important part of the economy of the Knysna Lagoon.

Yes, oysters are nation building!