Cape Spear Salt Oysters

Quick Facts

• Species: Cape Spear Salt oysters belong to the Eastern oyster family (Crassostrea virginica).
• Cultivation Method: They are farmed using sustainable aquaculture techniques.
• Flavor: These oysters are known for their briny start, sweet middle, and mineral finish.
• Size: Medium-sized, typically 3 to 4 inches in shell length.
• Location: Grown in the cool, nutrient-rich waters near Cape Spear, Newfoundland.

What Are Cape Spear Salt Oysters?

You’ll want to try Cape Spear Salt oysters. They are a unique and delicious variety of oyster. These oysters are grown in the nutrient-rich waters near Dipper Harbour, New Brunswick in Canada. They are grown using traditional rack-and-bag culture methods. This allows them to feed on the natural nutrients in the water. As a result, they have a rich and flavorful meat.

Cape Spear Salt oysters have a clean, briny flavor when served raw on the half-shell. They offer a sweet finish and a hint of minerality. They’re a versatile delicacy that pairs well with a variety of flavors, including lemon, mignonette, and cocktail sauce.

To taste the Cape Spear Salt oysters, visit seafood markets, restaurants, and oyster bars across Canada. Seafood lovers and oyster connoisseurs widely regard them as one of the top oyster options from New Brunswick.

How Did Cape Spear Salt Oysters Get Their Name?

Cape Spear Salt oysters are named after Cape Spear, the easternmost point of North America. This region, steeped in maritime history, provides the ideal environment for oyster cultivation.

The “Salt” in their name highlights the oysters’ briny character, a defining feature of their flavor profile. The cool, salty waters of Newfoundland contribute to their distinct taste.

Cape Spear Salt Oysters Information

Oyster: Cape Spear Salt

Species: Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica)

Cultivation Method: Farmed for 4-5 years

Season: March to January

Size: Medium, 3–4″

Culture Method: Floating Tray Cultured

Salinity: approx. 30 ppt

Appearance: They have a deep, cupped shell. The shell has a rough and irregular texture. They are typically medium to large in size. The shells are often marked with dark, concentric rings and have a slightly elongated shape. The meat of the oyster is plump and firm with a light, cream-colored flesh and a distinctive black abductor muscle

Flavor Profile: Clean and salty flavor with a sweet finish. There is a hint of minerality characteristic of oysters from the Atlantic Canadian coast. The oyster’s meat is firm and plump. It has a slightly crunchy texture. A lingering sweetness is balanced by a subtle mineral note.

If you like Cape Spear Salt Oysters, then check out these similar varieties!

• Great White Oysters
• Olde Salt Oysters
• Shooting Point Salts Oysters
• Cape Porpoise Oysters
• Umami Oysters

Location

Cape Spear Salt oysters thrive in the nutrient-rich waters near Dipper Harbour, New Brunswick, Canada. The farmers cultivate these oysters using traditional rack-and-bag culture methods. This method is used in a strategic location along the eastern coast of New Brunswick 1.

The environmental conditions in this region provide optimal growing parameters for oyster cultivation. The water temperature ranges between -2°C and 36°C. The salinity levels fluctuate between 14-28 parts per thousand under optimal conditions. These conditions create an ideal environment for the eastern oyster species, which characterizes the Atlantic coast of North America 2.

The location’s success stems from its position in the relatively warm southern Gulf of St. Lawrence, where the waters contain rich nutrients that support healthy oyster growth 2. The middle reaches of the inlet provide warm waters that are ideal for early growth stages. Areas closer to the estuary mouths offer harder bottoms. These areas have higher salinities (26 to 30 parts per thousand), which promote proper maturation 2. This combination of environmental factors creates Cape Spear Salt oysters’ distinctive clean, briny flavor. The flavor features a sweet finish and mineral notes 1.

Suggested Beverage Pairing

1. Domaine de la Pépière Muscadet – This is a crisp French wine. Its green fruit notes and high minerality perfectly complement Cape Spear Salt oysters’ briny profile. The wine’s natural citrus undertones eliminate the need for additional lemon.
2. Hendrick’s Gin Martini – The subtle cucumber notes in Hendrick’s gin enhance the oyster’s natural sweetness. The clean spirit allows the briny character to shine through.
3. Guinness Foreign Extra Stout – The stout’s creamy texture creates a striking contrast with the oyster’s salinity. Its robust character balances the delicate sweetness.
4. Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label – The champagne’s yeasty, bready notes add complexity to the oyster’s mineral profile. Its effervescence provides a delightful textural contrast.
5. Tenju Junmai Daiginjo Sake – This premium sake’s clean profile is complemented by subtle umami notes. They create an unexpected harmony with the oyster’s sweet finish. They also highlight its mineral characteristics. The sake’s gentle rice notes enhance rather than overwhelm the oyster’s delicate flavors.

Where to Buy Cape Spear Salt Oysters

If you’re looking to buy Cape Spear Salt oysters, here are some options to consider:

1. Fortune Fish & Gourmet: This online store sells and ships them directly to consumers.
2. Cape May Salt Oyster Farms: This company sell online and ships them directly to consumers.
3. Real Oyster Cult: This company sells online and ships them directly to consumers.

References

1. Oysterater. “Cape Spear Oyster.” Oysterater. Accessed December 2, 2024. https://www.oysterater.com.
2. McCarthy’s Party. “Historic St. John’s and Cape Spear.” McCarthy’s Party. Accessed December 2, 2024. https://www.mccarthysparty.com/day-tours/historic-st-johns-and-cape-spear/.