Sunberry Point Oysters

Sunberry Point oysters are harvested in the crystal clear waters of the Northumberland Strait in Prince Edward Island, Canada. They are known for their unique and wonderfully briny flavor, resulting from the frigid tides that provide a constant flow of nutrients. The oysters are 3.5 to 4 inches in size and are available from April through December. Due to the frigid tides, they possess a unique and wonderfully briny flavor. The oysters from Sunberry Cove are harvested from the wild and re-watered in the ocean lease for a minimum of 30 days before being sold. These oysters take around 3 to 4 years to be ready for the market.

The Sunberry Point oysters have a similar appearance to the Malpeque oysters. Their shells range in color from white to brown. The meat has a medium brine with a citrus flavor and umami notes. They are wild oysters harvested from Northumberland Strait in Prince Edward Island, Canada, re-watered for at least 30 days in the Sunberry Cove ocean lease. It takes 3 to 4 years for the mussels to reach the market.

Quick History of Oysters in The Northumberland Strait

The Northumberland Strait has a rich history of oyster farming, with indigenous Mi’kmaq people exploiting local oyster beds for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers. Oyster farming in Canada began in the early 1800s, and the industry has evolved. The oysters harvested in the crystal clear waters of the Northumberland Strait, such as Sunberry Point oysters, are known for their unique and wonderfully briny flavor, resulting from the frigid tides that constantly flow nutrients.

The arrival of European settlers had a significant impact on oyster farming in the Northumberland Strait. The settlers harvested and used oysters locally, leading to changes in the oyster population. As the European settlement spread, it wiped out the native oyster stock in certain areas. Additionally, European settlers’ commercialization and management of oyster fisheries differed from indigenous management, which affected the thriving of oyster fisheries in the region.

The oyster industry in the region has seen changes in harvesting techniques and has faced challenges such as changes in environmental conditions, predatory species, pollution issues, disease, and rising business costs. The industry has persevered and continues to provide high-quality oysters with distinctive flavors.

Sunberry Point Oysters Information

Oyster: Sunberry Point

Species: Crassostrea Virginica

Cultivation Method: Wild Caught. It takes 3-4 years to reach market size.

Seasonality: April – February

Size: 3.25 – 4″

Culture Method: Bottom cultured on the sea floor of the Northumberland Strait.

Salinity: 26-28 ppt

Appearance: “Malpeque Look” White to Brown Shells with a rough, irregular appearance.

Flavor Profile: Medium brine, citrus flavor, and umami notes. They are known for their fat meats bursting with brine, swimming in a deep pool of clean liquor, and possessing a unique and wonderfully briny flavor due to the frigid tides that provide a constant flow of nutrients. 

Location

Sunberry Point oysters are cultivated in the Northumberland Strait, specifically on the south shore of Prince Edward Island, Canada.  

Suggested Beverage Pairings

1. Veuve Clicquot Champagne: A classic choice that pairs well with the unique flavor of Sunberry Point oysters.
2. Domaine Carneros Brut: This dry sparkling wine complements the oysters’ yeasty, bready flavor.
3. Guinness: The smooth texture of Guinness stout complements the saltiness of the oysters, creating a sublime pairing.
4. Hendricks Gin: This gin, known for its subtle cucumber notes, is an excellent choice for a gin martini to accompany Sunberry Point oysters.
5. Strawberry Lemonade: For a non-alcoholic option, a citrusy drink like this can be a good match, as long as it’s not overly sweet, which can overpower the taste of the oysters.

Where Can I Buy Sunberry Point Oysters

1. Seafood Depot: They offer Sunberry Point Oysters in 100-count cases. Contact them at 81 Aviva Park Drive, Vaughan, ON, Canada. Phone: 905-856-2770, Toll-Free: 1-855-563-2770. Seafood Depot
2. Seacore Seafood: They also provide Sunberry Point Oysters in 100 count cases. You can reach them at 81 Aviva Park Drive, Vaughan, ON, Canada. Phone: 905-856-6222, Toll-Free: 1-800-563-6222. Seacore Seafood