Malpeque Oysters

Malpeque oysters are famous for their clean appearance and flavor, which reflects the pristine waters of Malpeque Bay. If you’re in Malpeque Bay, Prince Edward Island, Canada, make sure to try the Atlantic oyster (Crassostrea virginica) that’s available from May to November and can grow up to three inches. Two local farms, Prince Edward Aqua Farms and Atlantic Aqua Farms, produce Malpeque oysters.

Prince Edward Aqua Farms hand-farms Sassy Malpeques™, which ensures consistent meat yield and a distinct sweet brine balanced against a salty snap. Along with other local farms, they maintain traditional methods of oyster harvesting, such as going out on dories and using tongs.

These oysters come in different grades, such as Choice and Standard. You can try them yourself at the Malpeque Oyster Barn, a popular restaurant in the area that serves fresh oysters straight from the sea.

Quick History

Did you know that Malpeque oysters have a long and interesting history? Aboriginals on Prince Edward Island used them as a food source many years ago, but it wasn’t until the Paris Exhibition in 1900 that they gained worldwide recognition as the tastiest oysters. They have become a popular type of oyster, similar to Blue Points, and most raw bars or happy hour menus easily offer them.

Despite their glamorous reputation, Malpeque oysters have humble beginnings in the shallow riverbeds and coves of Prince Edward Island. Harvesters still go out in dories and hand-harvest them with tongs, just like in the good old days. Farmers currently cultivate Malpeque oysters in the nutrient-rich waters of Malpeque Bay, creating the ideal environment for producing some of the most delicious oysters in the world.

Malpeque Oysters Information

Oyster: Malpeque

Cultivation Method: Farmed & Wild.

Farmed: Bottom Culture, then Rack and Bag Method. 3-4 years.

Wild: Harvested in the traditional manner by hand-tonging out of small skiffs. Harvesters go out in dories and manually collect the oysters using tongs.

Season: April to February

Size: 3.5″

Culture Method: Bottom cultured on the ocean floor of Malpeque Bay.

Appearance: They have a teardrop-shaped shell with tender meats inside. The shell can be narrow-shaped or deep-cupped, depending on the grade. The oysters have a pea-green tint to their shells, and they are available in different sizes, with the legal size being 3 inches.

Flavor Profile: They offer a crisp lettuce-like flavor with a noticeable brininess, which adds a salty taste from the ocean. Despite their brininess, Malpeque oysters have a clean and sweet finish that balances out the overall taste.

Location

Fishermen harvest Malpeque oysters from the glacial depths of Malpeque Bay in Prince Edward Island, Canada using small skiffs, but most of the oysters in the bay are farmed.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

1. Champagne: The briny component in pairs well with Champagne, such as Louis Roederer’s Brut Premier. Champagne is a classic pairing for oysters and is always a safe bet.
2. Muscadet: If there’s any one classic pairing for oysters, it’s the always-bright, always-crisp muscadet. There are plenty of green fruit notes in a muscadet, such as lime, apples, pears, and even lemons. With this tasty wine, you won’t even need lemons with your oysters.
3. Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc is another white wine that pairs well with oysters. It has a crisp acidity that complements the brininess of the oysters.
4. Viognier: Viognier from France is another wine that pairs well with oysters. It has a floral aroma and a rich, fruity flavor that complements the sweetness of the oysters.
5. Pilsner or Lager: For those who prefer beer, a cold, fizzy pilsner or lager is a great choice. The carbonation and lightness of the beer complement the brininess of the oysters.

It’s important to note that personal taste preferences may vary, so it’s always a good idea to experiment with different pairings to find your perfect match.

Where to Buy Malpeque Oysters

1. Prawnco: Prawnco offers these oysters in a 100-count package. They are available from May through late March.
2. Instacart: Instacart offers P.E.I. Malpeque Oysters in a 1 oz package.
3. Element Seafood: Element Seafood offers Malpeque oysters from Prince Edward Island. They are known for producing top-notch shellfish, and Malpeque oysters are no exception.
4. Prince Edward Aqua Farms: Prince Edward Aqua Farms offers Sassy Malpeques™, farmed by hand to ensure consistent meat yield and a distinct sweet brine balanced against a salty snap.
5. Atlantic Aqua Farms: Many consider Cooke’s Cove Malpeques from Atlantic Aqua Farms to be the gold standard for oysters.
6. Supreme Lobster: Supreme Lobster offers them in a 50-count or 100-count package.

Overall, Malpeques can be purchased from various suppliers and retailers, both online and in-store. It’s important to check with local suppliers or oyster farms for the most up-to-date information on their availability.