Pearl Bay Oysters

Pearl Bay Oysters are a distinctive variety of Pacific Oysters (Crassostrea gigas) cultivated in the deep, cold waters near Vancouver Island, British Columbia, specifically in the Jervis Inlet. This method ensures that the oysters are never exposed to air. Therefore, they maintain their medium-high brininess, smooth, sweet flavor, and refreshing cucumber finish.

The suspension tray farming technique protects oysters from predators, mud, sand, and silt. This results in oysters with beautiful shells and deep cups. However, this method makes their shells brittle, challenging oyster shuckers. These oysters are available from September to July. They offer a unique taste experience that confidently reflects the purity and richness of their growing environment.

Distinguishing Pearl Bay Oysters from other Pacific Oysters involves considering their flavor profile, cultivation method, and the environmental conditions of their habitat. Pearl Bay oysters boast a unique taste, including a mild watermelon flavor and a clean finish. The general Pacific Oyster varieties typically have a sweeter taste. They also have a less salty flavor, with nuances that range from creamy to herbaceous.

The specific conditions of Pearl Bay, characterized by its deep, cold, and nutrient-rich waters, influence the flavor of these oysters significantly. This environment contrasts with the range of habitats across which Pacific Oysters are cultivated. The adaptability of Pacific Oysters to various environmental conditions is remarkable. This, combined with the distinct “merroir” of Pearl Bay, highlights the uniqueness of Pearl Bay Oysters within the broader Pacific Oysters category.

Mac’s Oysters Ltd., a family-owned and operated company with a rich history in the oyster farming industry, expertly manages the cultivation and distribution of Pearl Bay Oysters. They operate in the heart of the region they harvest. Mac’s is committed to sustainable farming practices that not only ensure the health and quality of the oysters but also protect the natural environment of Pearl Bay. This dedication to excellence and sustainability is what allows Pearl Bay Oysters to stand out. It reflects the company’s deep understanding of the intricate balance required to produce oysters. These oysters are genuinely exceptional in flavor and quality.

About Mac’s Oysters LTD.

Mac’s Oysters Ltd. is a family-owned business with a storied history in the shellfish industry, dating back to its establishment in 1947. The McLellan family founded the company, pioneers in modern shellfish aquaculture in British Columbia. The family’s legacy began with Joseph McLellan, who introduced oyster seed from Japan to the beaches around Fanny Bay. Essentially laying the groundwork for a significant industry in the region.

Located in the heart of Baynes Sound, Mac’s Oysters Ltd. has become a cornerstone of the Pacific Canadian shellfish industry. They are renowned for producing world-class oysters and clams. The company demonstrates its commitment to quality and sustainability through its farming practices. Not to mention the help of the pristine environment of Baynes Sound. Currently, Baynes Sound sustains some of Canada’s most productive clam and oyster beaches.

Gordy McLellan manages Mac’s Oysters Ltd. today and continues the family tradition of shellfish farming. The company processes a significant portion of British Columbia’s farmed oysters and clams and distributes them domestically and internationally. Despite challenges such as the norovirus outbreak in B.C. oysters, Mac’s Oysters Ltd. has maintained its reputation for high-quality shellfish. The company thrives due to work ethic and rigorous safety standards under the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program.

Visit Mac’s Oysters Ltd.’s company website for more insights and updates. Stay connected and follow their journey on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to catch the latest news, delicious recipes, and behind-the-scenes looks at how they bring the finest shellfish from Tide to the table. Don’t miss out on the freshest updates from Mac’s Oysters Ltd.

Pearl Bay Oysters Information

Oyster: Pearl Bay Oyster

Species: Crassostrea gigas

Cultivation Method: Suspended

Seasonality: Available year-round, with peak season from October to May.

Size: Average

Culture Method: Pearl Bays grow in trays in Jervis Inlet, on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast. Farmers cultivate in suspended trays set at different depths in the inlet, ensuring the oysters get minimal air exposure.

Salinity: 20-24 ppt

Appearance: Thin shells and deep cups, a typical trait of British Columbia tray-raised oysters. Their shells range from gray/green to multi-colors like royal purple, gold, and jade green.

Flavor Profile: They have a moderate salinity, a clean and sweet flavor profile, and a refreshing cucumber finish. The cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Jervis Inlet directly influence their taste, offering a unique and enjoyable eating experience.

Location

Mac’s Oysters Ltd. cultivate Pearl Bay oysters in the Jervis Inlet on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast.

This location provides several environmental factors that support optimal oyster growth. The cold waters of Jervis Inlet maintain an ideal temperature range, avoiding extreme fluctuations that can harm the oysters. Additionally, the area receives an appropriate level of freshwater input, which helps regulate salinity levels within the ideal range for oyster cultivation. The waters are also rich in phytoplankton, a crucial food source for the oysters, promoting their growth and development. These conditions collectively create a favorable habitat for cultivating high-quality Pearl Bay Oysters.

Furthermore, the pristine nature of Jervis Inlet contributes to maintaining high water quality, free from excessive pollution and sedimentation, which could inhibit oyster growth. Adequate water movement and tidal flow in the inlet ensure a fresh supply of food and oxygen while removing waste products, supporting oyster health. Farmers can optimize growth conditions and minimize stress factors like temperature extremes or exposure to harmful algal blooms by cultivating the oysters in suspended trays at different depths. These combined environmental factors make Jervis Inlet an ideal location for the sustainable cultivation of Pearl Bay Oysters.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

1. Guinness Stout – The creamy, roasted flavors of Guinness Stout make it a classic pairing for oysters. The beer’s earthy intensity is a perfect foil for the oysters’ briny and slightly gamey flavors. As a result, creating a harmonious balance between the two.
2. Allagash Tripel – This Belgian-style Tripel, with its notes of passion fruit and herbs, offers a sublime contrast to the mineral taste of East Coast oysters. The beer’s fruitiness and slight sweetness can enhance the oysters’ natural flavors without overpowering them.
3. Hendrick’s Gin Martini – A gin martini, especially one made with cucumber-infused Hendrick’s Gin, can amplify Pacific oysters’ unique characteristics. The gin’s juniper berry and herbal notes make the seafood flavors pop, providing a refreshing and elegant pairing.
4. Marz Dilliner Weisse – Brewed with dill and spicy red pepper flakes, this beer can replace accouterments. Sauces like hot sauce and vinegar-based mignonette when paired with standard East Coast oysters. Its unique flavor profile complements the oysters’ taste, adding an exciting twist to the pairing.
5. Muscadet Wine – Muscadet, particularly from the Loire Valley, is often considered the ultimate wine pairing for oysters. This is due to its light body, crisp acidity, and mineral notes. The wine enhances the oysters’ sweetness while muting their salinity, resulting in a clean and refreshing finish.

Where Can I Buy Pearl Bay Oysters?

1. Mac’s Oysters LTD – Mac’s Oysters Ltd. is a fourth-generation family-owned business based in Fanny Bay, British Columbia, specializing in the cultivation and distribution of shellfish, including oysters and clams. Established in 1947, the company has grown to become one of the leading shellfish processors in the region, known for its commitment to sustainable farming practices and producing high-quality, flavorful oysters like the Pearl Bay Oysters.