Jersey Oysters

Quick Facts

• Jersey Oysters grow in the Royal Bay of Grouville, benefiting from Europe’s cleanest waters and Jersey’s massive 12-meter tidal range.
• These oysters offer a distinctive flavor profile with notes of cucumber, green wood, and lemon, complemented by a refreshing sea-salt taste.
• Jersey Oyster Company produces 1000 tonnes annually, making it the largest oyster operation in the British Isles.
• They available year-round and sustainably hand-harvested after a two-year growth period using the elevated trestle method.
• The modern industry revives a historic tradition that once exported billions of oysters to England during the 19th century.

What are Jersey Oysters?

The flavor profile of Jersey Rock Oysters is described as having a “crisp flavor of green wood and cucumber with a hint of lemon” according to the Shellfish Association of Great Britain 2. Compared to other varieties, Jersey oysters offer a more delicate and softer meat with a refreshing, crispy sea-salt taste accompanied by definite briny and algal tones 5. This unique taste sets them apart from other British and international oyster varieties.

Jersey Oysters stand out in the world of shellfish due to their exceptional growing environment in the Royal Bay of Grouville on the east coast of Jersey. These oysters benefit directly from the daily natural filtering effect of Jersey’s unique tidal range—the third largest in the world—and crystal clear waters that are among the cleanest in Europe 1. This pristine environment creates perfect conditions for cultivating oysters with distinctive characteristics.

Jersey’s oyster industry represents the largest oyster growing area in Britain, with modern operations exporting over 550 tons of oysters annually 3. The industry has evolved significantly from its historical roots, which date back to the Middle Ages, with modern cultivation methods replacing the traditional dredging techniques. Today, Jersey Oysters are primarily farmed in rows of oyster beds tended to by staff at low tide using tractors and trailers, ensuring sustainable production while maintaining the exceptional quality that makes these oysters sought after in markets throughout the UK and France 13.

How Did Jersey Oysters Get Their Name?

Jersey Oysters are named after their geographic location – the island of Jersey, specifically the Royal Bay of Grouville where they are cultivated. Unlike some oyster varieties that have faced name piracy issues, Jersey Oysters maintain their geographic identity.

This naming approach follows the traditional oyster naming convention where oyster names reflect thier location of origin.  This differs from the modern trend where many oyster farmers create brand names for their products that carry trademarks for legal protection.

Jersey Oysters, also called “Jersey Rocks” locally, benefit from their distinctive growing environment in some of Europe’s cleanest waters and are naturally fed by strong ocean currents created by one of the world’s largest tidal ranges 5. The modern Jersey oyster industry represents a revival of a tradition dating back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence showing oysters were consumed by Jersey islanders 6,000 years ago 2.

About Jersey Oyster Company

The Jersey Oyster Company, owned and run by Chris Le Masurier, cultivates exceptional oysters in the Royal Bay of Grouville. As a third-generation Jersey oyster farmer, Le Masurier has been involved with the business since 1998, continuing a family tradition started by his grandfather over 40 years ago 15.

This family-owned business has grown to become the largest oyster producer in the British Isles, farming approximately 36 hectares in the Royal Bay of Grouville 6. They export over 700 tons of oysters annually, with 80% going to France1. The company has expanded its export markets to include Switzerland and Dubai after achieving Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification in 20152.

Jersey’s oyster industry represents a revival of ancient traditions, with archaeological evidence showing islanders consumed oysters 6,000 years ago 1. During the 19th century, Jersey became one of northwest Europe’s main oyster producers, exporting an estimated 2 billion oysters to English markets between 1810 and 1871 7. The industry declined in the 1860s due to overfishing but was revitalized in the 1970s through modern aquaculture methods 1.

The company benefits from Jersey’s extreme tidal range (12m) and some of Europe’s cleanest seawater, creating ideal growing conditions for high-quality Pacific Oysters 6. They use a sustainable farming system where oysters spend about six hours daily out of water to prepare them for transport, ensuring they remain fresh and closed during shipping 4.

Follow Them

Ready to experience the exceptional taste of Grouville? Visit the Jersey Oyster Company’s official website at jerseyoyster.com to learn more about their premium oysters grown in some of Europe’s cleanest waters. Follow their social media for stunning visuals of their Royal Bay of Grouville operation and behind-the-scenes glimpses of their sustainable farming practices. 

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Jersey Oysters Information

Oyster: Jersey Oysters

Species: Crassostrea gigas (Pacific Oyster)

Cultivation Method: Farmed in trestle systems for approximately two years

Size: See image below

No.1: 4.5-5 inches (121-150g)

No.2: 3.5-4 inches (85-110g)

No.3: 3-3.5 inches (56-84g)

No.4: 2.5-3 inches (46-55g)

Seasonality: Available year-round

Culture Method: Trestle method, which suspends oysters above the sand in the intertidal zone, exposing them to air during low tide

Salinity: Approximately 30-35 ppt

Appearance: deep-cupped shells that reflect their unique growing environment. Their shells often display a pearlescent sheen, with colors ranging from pale greys to deeper blues and greens. The exterior is typically rough and flaky, while the interior presents a smooth, lustrous surface that cradles the plump, creamy-colored meat.

Flavor Profile: a crisp flavor profile with distinct notes of green wood and cucumber, complemented by a hint of lemon. They deliver a refreshing sea-salt taste with definite briny and algal tones that create a clean, vibrant mouthfeel. The oysters present a balanced flavor experience that’s neither overly salty nor too sweet, 

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

• Cumbrae Rock Oysters
• Cumbrae Select Oysters
• Isle Of Mull Oysters
• Kyle Of Tounge Oysters
• Mali Ston Oysters

Location

Jersey Oysters are cultivated in the Royal Bay of Grouville on the east coast of Jersey, Channel Islands.

The Jersey Oyster Company maintains a 36-40 hectare beach concession in this area, making it the largest oyster growing area in the British Isles 15. The oysters are grown using the trestle method in the intertidal zone, where they’re suspended above the sand during their two-year growth period 1.

This location offers exceptional environmental conditions for oyster cultivation. Jersey experiences the third largest tidal range in the world, with tides that can retreat up to 11 miles at low tide, revealing various marine habitats 2. This extreme tidal range (12m) creates a natural filtering effect that directly benefits the oysters 15. During each tide cycle, the oysters spend about four hours out of water, which helps develop their shells evenly as workers turn and shake the bags 1.

The waters surrounding Jersey are among the cleanest in Europe, with the Royal Bay of Grouville attaining the highest standard classification from the Marine Conservation Society 5. These crystal clear waters are nutrient-rich, largely due to the Gulf Stream, allowing oysters to grow quickly and develop their fresh flavor 16. The fast-changing waters provide an abundance of food for these filter-feeding shellfish 6.

The combination of these environmental factors – extreme tidal movements, clean water, and nutrient-rich conditions – creates an ideal natural environment for cultivating high-quality oysters. This unique ecosystem enables Jersey Oyster Company to produce approximately 1000 tonnes of Pacific Oysters annually 5. The company’s sustainable farming practices have earned them recognition as the first oyster farm in the world to achieve Aquaculture Stewardship Council certification, a global benchmark for responsible cultivation 6.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

1. Highland Park Scotch: This single malt offers bright notes that complement oysters beautifully.
2. Guinness: The smooth texture and bitterness of this stout counteracts the saltiness of oysters, creating a sublime match.
3. County Line Rosé: Crafted specifically with Hog Island Sweetwaters in mind, this wine works beautifully with both Pacific and Eastern oysters thanks to its edgy acidity and aromatics.
4. Half Shell Gin Martini: Made with oyster shell-infused gin and a dash of Aecorn Dry, this utterly dry cocktail perfectly offsets the brininess of oysters.
5. Negroni Sbagliato: This bubbly cocktail made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and Prosecco creates a refreshing counterpoint to oysters’ briny nature.
6. Blood in the Water: A spicy Bloody-Mary-meets-Michelada cocktail that pairs particularly well with fried oysters.

Where Can I Buy Jersey Oysters?

1. Jersey Oyster Company: The primary producer based in Grouville, Jersey. They can be contacted at +44 (0) 1534 850 440 or info@jerseyoyster.com. Their facility is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
2. Wright Brothers Home Delivery: Offers No. 3 size Jersey Rock Oysters year-round, delivered fresh and unshucked. These are the same oysters served in their restaurants.
3. Simply Oysters: Sells medium-sized Jersey Pacific Oysters (80-110g) with next-day courier delivery to mainland UK addresses (Tuesday to Friday). These oysters are harvested from the Royal Bay of Grouville.

References

1. Jersey Oyster Co. “Jersey Oyster Co.” Genuine Jersey, www.genuinejersey.je/member/jerseyoystercoltd. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.
2. Simply Oysters. “Simply Oysters – UK’s Widest Selection of Oysters | UK Delivery.” Simply Oysters, 1 Jan. 2021, simplyoysters.com. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.
3. Wright Brothers. “Fresh Jersey Oysters, Buy Online – Wright Brothers Home Delivery.” Wright Brothers Home Delivery, 4 May 2020, thewrightbrothers.co.uk/products/fresh-jersey-oysters. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.
4. Jersey Oyster. “Contact – Jersey Oyster.” Jersey Oyster, jerseyoyster.com/contact-us/. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.
5. Aquaculture Stewardship Council. “Jersey Oyster Companies Enjoy Success One Year on From Certification.” ASC-Aqua, 16 Oct. 2024, asc-aqua.org/news/jersey-oyster-companies-enjoy-success-one-year-on-from-certification/. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.
6. Jersey Oyster. “Jersey Oyster.” Jersey Oyster, 4 Feb. 2025, jerseyoyster.com. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.