Summer Ice Oysters

Summer Ice Oysters, cultivated by Mac’s Oysters Ltd., are Pacific Northwest oysters from the British Columbia oyster appellations near Vancouver Island, BC. These oysters are farmed using the tray suspension method at a depth of 60 feet in the Jervis Inlet on the Sunshine Coast, ensuring that the water remains cold at this depth throughout the year. This method prevents the oysters from spawning, typically in warmer waters, thus maintaining their high quality all year.

The deep cultivation depth contributes to the oysters’ firm texture and mild flavor profile. Summer Ice Oysters are known for their high salinity and firm, somewhat transparent meats complemented by a mild taste. The unique cultivation method results in oysters with beautiful shells with deep cups, although their shells are brittle due to the lack of natural tumbling in the waves.

Mac’s Oysters Ltd. takes pride in the sustainable seafood practice of cultivating Summer Ice Oysters, as they require no feed and thrive on the tide’s natural phytoplankton and algae. This practice aligns with the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and providing a product appreciated for its taste and sustainability.

How Did They Get Their Name?

The name “Summer Ice Oysters” originates from their unique cultivation process. These oysters are dropped 60 feet deep in Jervis Inlet during the summer to find the coolest, cleanest waters. This method ensures that the oysters are grown in an environment that mimics the cold conditions of winter ice, hence the name “Summer Ice.” This approach allows for cultivating oysters with delicate shells and deep cups, distinguishing them from other varieties.

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.

Summer Ice Oysters Information

Oyster: Summer Ice

Species: Crassostrea Gigas

Cultivation Method: Farmed. Market size can be achieved in 18 to 30 months.

Seasonality: Available year-round due to deep cultivation that prevents spawning.

Size: 2.75 – 3.75″

Culture Method: Jervis Inlet on the Sunshine Coast, suspended in mesh trays in deep water.

Salinity: 32-34 ppt

Appearance: Summer Ice Oysters have beautiful shells with deep cups, but their shells are brittle due to the lack of natural tumbling in the waves.

Flavor Profile: Known for their firm texture and mild flavor profile, with a high salinity and firm, somewhat transparent meats complemented by a mild taste.

Location

Jervis Inlet, located on the Sunshine Coast near Vancouver Island, British Columbia, is an ideal location for harvesting Summer Ice Oysters due to its unique environmental conditions. The inlet’s cool, clean waters, especially at depths of 60 feet, inhibit oyster spawning, preserving their quality and firmness year-round. This area provides nearly optimal conditions for Pacific oysters, including the right balance of temperature and salinity, along with a rich supply of phytoplankton, which serves as a crucial food source for the oysters.

Additionally, the inlet’s natural geography offers protection against extreme weather and pollutants, ensuring the water quality remains high. The sustainable aquaculture practices employed, such as tray suspension and deep-water culture, further enhance the viability of oyster farming in this region. These factors combined make Jervis Inlet a prime location for cultivating the high-quality and distinctively flavored Summer Ice Oysters.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

1. Valdespino Family Manzanilla Sherry – This sherry’s dryness and light body are perfect for enhancing the oysters’ salinity without overwhelming their mild flavor. The subtle almond notes and fresh, maritime quality of the sherry make it an excellent pairing. Perfectly complementing the briny taste of Summer Ice Oysters.
2. Pilsner Urquell – The crispness and refreshing nature of this Czech pilsner offers a delightful contrast. Its balanced maltiness and slight hoppy edge provide a palate-cleansing effect that prepares you for the next oyster.
3. Domaine de la Bregeonette Folle Blanche – This white wine from the Loire Valley has a tangy, salty profile that complements the richness of the oysters while matching their salinity. Its vibrant acidity and mineral notes underscore the oysters’ subtle flavors.
4. Peak Organic Fresh Cut – As a Bohemian pilsner, this beer’s bready malt and citrus notes pair well with the creamy texture of West Coast oysters like Summer Ice. The beer’s crisp finish echoes the clean taste of the oysters.
5. Camino Roca Txakolina – The slight effervescence and dryness of this Basque white wine, with its zesty lime and green apple character, match the sweetness and salinity of Summer Ice Oysters. Its acidity and minerality serve to elevate the natural flavors of the oysters.

Where Can I Buy Summer Ice Oysters?

You can buy Summer Ice Oysters directly from Mac’s Oysters Ltd., as they are the cultivators of this particular brand. They offer these specialty summer oysters for purchase, and they have excellent brand recognition across North America