Caraquette Oysters

Caraquette oysters are harvested from the cold waters of Caraquet Bay in northern New Brunswick, Canada. They are unique due to the region’s short growing season and frigid waters. These oysters are known for their small size, typically reaching only 2 to 2.5 inches after four years of growth. The slow growth results in a firm texture and deep cups, which is unusual for oysters of their size. This makes them truly unique among other comparable oysters.

The flavor profile of Caraquette oysters is another aspect that makes them unique. “They offer a subtle yet complex taste experience. It starts with a mild brine that quickly gives way to a hint of sweetness and a creamy texture. This delicate balance of flavors is often described as flirting with nonexistence. It provides a refined and light taste distinct from the more robust flavors of other oyster varieties.”

The cold waters of Caraquet Bay contribute to this unique flavor, as the oysters filter the nutrient-rich, icy waters, enhancing their subtle taste. Moreover, Caraquette oysters carry a rich cultural heritage, being a staple among fishermen and loggers in the Maritimes for generations. Their traditional consumption methods highlight their integration into local customs and social practices. This cultural significance alone makes Caraquette oysters stand out for those seeking a refined and authentic oyster experience.

How Did Caraquette Oysters Get Their Name?

Caraquette oysters derive their name from the town and bay of Caraquet in New Brunswick, Canada. The town of Caraquet was founded around 1760 by shipwrecked French seamen. This is one of the oldest French settlements in the province. The name “Caraquet” is believed to originate from the French nautical term caraque, which means “carrack” or “large galleon,” reflecting the area’s maritime heritage.

The bay’s name, and consequently the oysters, have become synonymous with the region’s rich fishing traditions. The unique environmental conditions contribute to the oysters’ distinctive characteristics. Caraquet Bay’s cold waters and short growing season result in slow-grown oysters. This slow growth process is integral to the oysters’ unique flavor profile, marked by a mild brine and subtle sweetness.

Caraquette oysters are a culinary delight and a cultural emblem of the Maritimes. They have been a staple among local fishermen and loggers for generations. These delicacies are often consumed in traditional ways that highlight their cultural significance. The name “Caraquette” thus encapsulates both the geographic origin and the deep-rooted cultural heritage associated with these exceptional oysters.

About The Dugas Oyster Farm

The Dugas family has cultivated Caraquette oysters in the Bay of Chaleur, Caraquet, for seven generations. Their farm, located in the northeastern reaches of New Brunswick’s Acadian Peninsula, has become renowned for its high-quality oysters.

Gaétan Dugas, the current operator, continues his family’s legacy of oyster farming. The Dugas family’s commitment to traditional and environmentally conscious cultivation methods has earned them the name “Dugas Caraquette” for their oysters. This name reflects their deep connection to the region.. Their unique approach allows oysters to develop freely in their natural ocean habitat over five years.

The Dugas family’s cultivation techniques, refined over generations, prioritize environmental stewardship. They use smaller barges with low fuel consumption and limit ground manipulation to minimize their impact on the bay’s ecosystem. Mature oysters are harvested by snorkeling, ensuring minimal disturbance to younger oysters and the surrounding environment. This commitment to sustainability, combined with the exceptional quality of their oysters, has led to growing worldwide demand for Dugas Caraquette oysters.

The rising demand for Dugas Caraquette oysters has significantly impacted the family’s business, driving growth and international recognition. The oysters, cherished for their unique flavor and texture, have become a prized commodity among chefs across North America. This heightened interest has boosted the profitability of the Dugas family’s operations and cemented their reputation as premier oyster cultivators in the region.

The Dugas family has continued to refine their traditional cultivation techniques to meet the increasing demand while maintaining their commitment to sustainability. They oversee the growth and quality of each oyster over a five-year process. This ensures that the oysters develop freely in their natural habitat. Their meticulous approach has allowed them to scale their operations. They have combined it with environmentally conscious practices. Their oysters are sought-after due to the quality that has not been compromised.

Check them out!

Discover the exquisite taste of Caraquette oysters cultivated by the Dugas family. Visit their website at La Dugas Caraquette and follow their journey on social media for the latest updates and special offers. Don’t miss out on experiencing the finest oysters from New Brunswick!

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Caraquette Oysters Information

Oyster: Caraquette

Species: Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica)

Cultivation Method: Farmed for four years.

Size: Small, typically 2 to 2.5 inches

Seasonality: May to September, with most growth occurring in May and June

Culture Method: Grown slowly in suspended culture in the cold waters of Caraquet Bay

Salinity: 26-28 ppt

Appearance: An oblong shape and relatively small size, usually measuring 2 to 2.5 inches. Their shells exhibit a light brown coloration, often marbled with white, giving them a distinctive and attractive appearance. The deep cup shape further adds to their visual appeal.

Flavor Profile:  a subtle hint of brine and a light, fleeting taste. They offer a sweet and salty balance, with some describing a crab-like sweetness depending on the season. The overall experience is often noted as a tickle of amino acids, giving a refined and nuanced taste.

Location

The Dugas family grows Caraquette oysters in Caraquet Bay, located in northern New Brunswick, Canada. This bay is part of the larger Chaleur Bay, which opens into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The ideal location within Caraquet Bay makes it perfect for oyster farming. There are numerous dedicated leases for cultivating these prized oysters.

Several environmental factors make Caraquet Bay particularly beneficial for oyster growth. The bay’s moderate salinity levels typically range between 10 and 30 parts per thousand (ppt). These levels create a conducive environment for Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica). This salinity range is optimal for oyster health and growth, allowing them to develop their characteristic flavor and texture. 

The oysters in the bay benefit from ample sunlight exposure due to the bay’s shallow depth, which is generally less than 3 meters at low tide. This sunlight promotes the growth of phytoplankton, their primary food source.

The water temperature in Caraquet Bay also plays a crucial role in supporting oyster growth. The bay experiences a seasonal temperature variation, with warmer waters in the summer and colder temperatures in the winter. This seasonal fluctuation helps regulate the oysters’ metabolic rates, contributing to their slow and steady growth over several years. The frigid waters, in particular, are instrumental in developing the firm texture and deep cups that Caraquette oysters are known for.

Furthermore, the bay’s pH and nutrient-rich waters provide an excellent habitat for oyster larvae and spat. Eelgrass beds and wetlands surrounding the bay enhance water quality by filtering out pollutants and providing a stable environment for oyster spat to settle and grow. These environmental conditions collectively ensure that Caraquette oysters can thrive, resulting in high-quality oysters sought by chefs and enthusiasts worldwide.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

1. Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne – The crisp acidity of Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne enhance the delicate briny and sweet notes of Caraquette oysters. The yeasty, bready flavors of the champagne add depth and complexity to the pairing. This creates a harmonious balance with the oysters’ creamy texture.
2. Domaine de la Pépière Muscadet Sèvre et Maine –  This Muscadet offers bright acidity. It also has green fruit notes like lime and apple. These aspects complement the subtle sweetness and mild brine of Caraquette oysters. The wine’s minerality mirrors the oysters’ oceanic essence, making it a classic and refreshing pairing.
3. Hendrick’s Gin Martini – A Hendrick’s Gin Martini has subtle cucumber and floral notes. It pairs beautifully with the light, sweet brine of Caraquette oysters. The gin’s botanicals enhance the oysters’ delicate flavors without overpowering them, providing a clean and elegant pairing.
4. Guinness Draught Stout –  The creamy, smooth texture of Guinness Draught Stout contrasts nicely with the firm texture of Caraquette oysters. The stout’s slight bitterness and roasted malt flavors balance the oysters’ sweetness, creating a rich and satisfying combination.
5. Txakoli Ameztoi –  Txakoli Ameztoi is a slightly effervescent white wine from Spain’s Basque region. It offers high acidity and citrus notes. These flavors complement the oysters’ briny and sweet flavors. The wine’s light effervescence adds a refreshing zing, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

Where Can I Buy Caraquette Oysters?

1. Tasty Galaxy – You can purchase three packages of fresh Caraquette oysters for $660.00.
2. La Dugas Caraquette –  The Dugas family farm offers Caraquette oysters for sale online, shipping across Canada and the United States. You can contact them via email to place an order.
3. Seacore Seafood – Seacore Seafood provides Caraquette oysters, which are available weather permitting. You can contact them for more details and to place an order.