French Kiss Oysters

Quick Facts

• French Kiss oysters are farmed in Miramichi Bay, New Brunswick, Canada, using suspension tray methods for 5-7 years.
• They are a larger, older version of the Beau Soleil oyster, grown for two additional years to reach 3–3.5 inches in size.
• French Kiss oysters feature deep-cupped, teardrop shells and full, plump meats with a high meat-to-shell ratio.
• The taste combines pronounced brininess with a mild, sweet finish and notes of hazelnut.
• These oysters are available year-round and are prized for their rich nutritional profile, including high levels of amino acids, zinc, and vitamin B12.

French Kiss Oysters are a distinct and sought-after variety known for their unique characteristics. The growers cultivate these oysters in Miramichi Bay on the Acadian Peninsula in New Brunswick, Canada. They are the older sibling version of Beau Soleil oysters. They grow for two more years to reach 3 1/2 inches, bringing their total growth time to five to seven years! This extended growth period contributes to their exceptional flavor profile and texture.

What Are French Kiss Oysters?

French Kiss oysters stand out for the extended time invested in their growth. Unlike standard cocktail oysters, which take 3 to 5 years to mature, French Kiss oysters develop for 5 to 7 years. This longer process leads to larger oysters with a richer nutritional profile, offering more amino acids, zinc, and vitamin B12—elements essential for health and flavor enhancement.

Their cultivation in Miramichi Bay, New Brunswick, ensures an environment that contributes to a firm, plump texture. French Kiss oysters belong to the Crassostrea virginica species and reach sizes of 3–3.25 inches. Their tender flesh delivers a delicate blend of salty and sweet notes, along with a subtle hazelnut finish. These qualities are easily enjoyed both raw and prepared, setting them apart from other varieties.

What truly makes French Kiss oysters unique is the luxurious attention to their raising and the fusion of their nutritional benefits with a refined flavor profile. The result is an oyster that appeals to both chefs and enthusiasts, making it a favorite in culinary settings where taste and texture matter most.

How Did French Kiss Oysters Get Their Name?

French Kiss Oysters got their name due to their unique packaging and romantic connotations. The name “French Kiss” is likely a marketing choice to evoke a sense of luxury and allure, which aligns with these oysters’ high-quality and distinctive characteristics.

About Maison Beau Soleil

Maison Beau Soleil operates as a leader in Canadian oyster production, focusing exclusively on high-end offerings like French Kiss oysters. Since its founding in 1998, the company has prioritized sustainable aquaculture, employing suspension tray techniques that ensure consistent quality and environmental stewardship. By leveraging Miramichi Bay’s clean, nutrient-rich waters, Maison Beau Soleil produces oysters prized for their texture and taste.

The company blends tradition with innovation. It honors regional Acadian heritage by integrating local practices and supporting community initiatives, reflecting its commitment to economic and cultural sustainability. As Maison Beau Soleil expanded, it scaled its workforce and operations, becoming the top exporter of oysters in New Brunswick and solidifying its reputation in international markets.

Maison Beau Soleil’s daily operations center on quality control, responsible farming, and active collaboration with distributors and chefs. This approach fosters long-standing relationships in the seafood industry and keeps the brand at the forefront of oyster excellence. Their dedication to craftsmanship and community continues to distinguish Maison Beau Soleil in the world of specialty shellfish.

Follow Them

Head over to La Maison Beau Soleil’s official website to learn more about their sustainable oyster farming practices, explore their products, and discover the rich history behind this Acadian gem. Don’t forget to follow them on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest news, recipes, and behind-the-scenes peeks into oyster farming.

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French Kiss Oyster Information

Oyster: French Kiss

Species: Crassostrea virginica (Eastern Oyster)

Cultivation Method: Farmed for 5-7 years.

Size: 3″–3.25″

Seasonality: Available year-round

Culture Method: The suspension tray method. This method involves placing the oysters in mesh bags suspended from floating buoys, allowing them to move naturally with the waves and tides.

Salinity: 32-34 ppt

Appearance: Teardrop-shaped shells with deep cups and a smooth, polished finish. Their shells are typically a mix of gray and white with a subtle sheen. The shells are also slightly rough, with a delicate pattern of ridges and swirls.

Flavor Profile: A rich, complex flavor profile with notes of sweet cream, hazelnut, and a hint of brininess. A subtle minerality and a touch of earthy undertones balance the flavor. The finish is long and clean, with a lingering sweetness.

If you like French Kiss Oysters, then check out these similar varieties!

• Midnight Kiss Oysters
• Store Checkout
• Or’Hélie Oysters
• Pousse de Claire Oysters
• Fine de Claire Oysters

Location

The farmers at La Maison Beausoleil grow French Kiss Oysters in Miramichi Bay. The bay sits on the Acadian Peninsula in New Brunswick, Canada. Several environmental factors support the ideal conditions for oyster growth in this region.

Firstly, the bay’s unique combination of fresh and saltwater creates a salty environment perfect for oysters. The water’s salinity level, ranging from 10 to 22 ppt, allows the oysters to thrive. This balance of fresh and saltwater also helps to maintain a stable water temperature. A stable water temperature is crucial for oyster growth and development.

Secondly, the bay’s sediment composition is another critical factor supporting oyster growth. The soft, muddy bottom of the bay provides a suitable substrate for oysters to settle and grow. Additionally, the bay’s water currents and tidal movements help to distribute nutrients and food sources, ensuring that the oysters receive the necessary sustenance for healthy growth.

Lastly, the bay’s protection from solid ocean currents and waves helps create a calm and stable environment, essential for oyster reefs to form and thrive. This sheltered environment also reduces the risk of oyster mortality due to storm damage or erosion, allowing the oysters to grow undisturbed. These environmental factors make Miramichi Bay an ideal location for cultivating French Kiss Oysters.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

1. Valdespino Family Manzanilla – This dry, crisp sherry complements the oysters’ salty and sweet flavors, with its nutty and slightly sweet notes enhancing the overall taste experience.
2. Camino Roca Txakolina – This Spanish white wine’s citrus and green apple flavors will cut through the richness of the oysters, while its crisp acidity will refresh the palate.
3. Troit Toits Muscadet – This French white wine’s minerality and citrus notes will complement the oysters’ brininess, while its crisp acidity will cleanse the palate.
4. Barr Hill Gin – This gin’s botanicals, particularly the juniper and citrus notes, will complement the oysters’ sweet and salty flavors, creating a harmonious balance.
5. Eric Sussman’s County Line Rose – This dry rose wine’s acidity and fruitiness will cut through the richness of the oysters, while its subtle tannins will enhance the overall flavor experience.

Where Can I Buy French Kiss Oysters?

1. Hilltop Seafood Co.: They offer French Kiss Oysters in a bushel (60 oysters) for $130.00. Please note that they require a 3-day advance order for harvest and travel to market.
2. COLD SPRING FISH: They sell one dozen French Kiss Oysters for $28.00. They are in stock and ready for purchase.
3. Mark’s Fine Meats: They offer a case of 18 French Kiss Oysters for $55.00. This is a special order item.
4. Santa Monica Seafood: They sell French Kiss Oysters, which are farm-raised in Neguac, New Brunswick, Canada. They are available year-round and are considered a “Best Choice” for sustainability.

References

1. “French Kiss Oysters.” The Oyster Encyclopedia, 11 Nov. 2024, oysterencyclopedia.com/encyclopedia/french-kiss-oysters/.
2. “French Kiss Oysters.” Atlantic Aqua Farms USA, atlanticaquafarms.com/usa/oysters/french-kiss-oysters/.
3. “French Kiss Oyster.” Oysterater, www.oysterater.com/oyster/french-kiss/.
4. “French Kiss Oysters.” Chefs Resources, www.chefs-resources.com/seafood/oysters/atlantic-oysters/french-kiss-oysters/.
5. “Oysters – East Coast – Crassostrea virginica | French Kiss.” Fortune Fish Co., fortunefishco.net/oysters-east-coast/french-kiss/.
6. “French Kiss Oysters – Santa Monica Seafood.” Santa Monica Seafood, www.santamonicaseafood.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/French_Kiss_Oysters.pdf.