Village Bay Oysters

Quick Facts

• Village Bay oysters are farmed for 4 to 6 years before reaching market size.
• These oysters have a medium salinity profile with a bright, clean finish.
• They are grown in Bedec, New Brunswick, in nutrient-rich waters fed from the Northumberland Strait.
• Village Bay oysters are harvested by hand from trays anchored to the bottom after being initially suspended in cages.
• The average size of a Village Bay oyster is 2.75 inches, making them ideal for raw bar presentation

Village Bay oysters stand out in the world of bivalves for their exceptional quality and unique growing environment. These oysters thrive in the pristine waters of Bedec Bay, New Brunswick. The nutrient-rich currents from the Northumberland Strait create ideal conditions for their development.

What sets Village Bay oysters apart is their innovative cultivation method. The King family has been in the seafood business for six decades. They employ a sophisticated floating bag system for most of the oyster’s growth period. Just before harvest, they move the oysters to trays anchored to the bay’s clay. This positioning allows for a final refinement of flavor.

This meticulous process results in a 2.75-inch oyster with a distinctive taste profile. Village Bay oysters offer a medium salinity balanced by a clean finish. This unique flavor combination and their plump meats make them a favorite among oyster enthusiasts.

How Did Village Bay Oysters Get Their Name?

Village Bay Oysters got their name from their origin in Richibucto-Village, New Brunswick. In 1969, M. Armand King started developing oyster aquaculture in the region. He joined other individuals to form a group of growers called Village Bay Oysters. The name reflects the community where this oyster cultivation initiative started, highlighting the local roots and connection to the village.

About Village Bay Oysters

Village Bay Oysters has a rich history dating back to 1969 when M. Armand King initiated a movement that transformed the community of Richibucto-Village, New Brunswick. Armand and other local oyster growers formed Village Bay Oysters to develop oyster aquaculture in the region.

Over the next 35 years, Armand King worked tirelessly to expand the operation, growing tens of thousands of oysters. In the early 2000s, Armand and his son Danny recognized the resurgence of cultured oysters in national and global markets. They invested heavily in cutting-edge equipment and harvesting techniques. This investment allowed them to offer fresh oysters year-round. It also produced a more consistent, clean product than traditional bottom growers.

A strong family involvement characterizes the company’s operational dynamics. Danny King took over as president in 2014, succeeding his father. Under Danny’s leadership, the company has experienced exponential growth, with production capacity expanding by more than 500% since 2013. Today, several King family members are heavily involved in the company’s operations. They ensure the maintenance of high-quality standards and provide personal oversight.

Village Bay Oysters operates out of a 4,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility. The company employs a team of professional cultivators and processing specialists. They meticulously inspect each oyster for freshness, quality, and size. This occurs before packaging. This commitment to quality has allowed Village Bay Oysters to become one of the largest oyster farms in New Brunswick. They cultivate millions of oysters annually for customers worldwide.

Experience the pure sensation for yourself! Visit their official website to explore their premium oyster selection, learn about sustainable farming practices, and discover delicious recipes. Follow them on social media for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and mouthwatering oyster inspiration. Don’t miss out on the taste of the Northern Atlantic – dive into the world of Village Bay Oysters today!

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Village Bay Oysters Information

Oyster: Village Bay

Species: Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica)

Cultivation Method: Farmed for 4-6 years

Size:

Cocktail: 2.5-3″

Choice: 3-3.5″

Select: 3.5″+

Seasonality: Available year-round

Culture Method: The system uses floating bags for most of the growth period and then transfers them to trays anchored to the bay’s clay and graveled bottom just before harvest.

Salinity: 20-24 ppt

Appearance: They have deep cups with a uniform teardrop shape. Their shells are smooth with white to light brown coloration. Their plump meats fill the shell and have a moderately firm bite.

Flavor Profile: offers a delicate taste with medium salinity. They have subtle notes of hazelnut and a creamy, buttery finish. The flavor profile also includes a slight sweetness and a hint of cucumber, creating a well-balanced and refined taste experience.

If you Like Village Bay Oysters, then check out these similar varieties!

• Chesapeake Bay Oysters
• Narragansett Bay Oysters
• French Kiss Oysters
• Caraquette Oysters
• Love Shuck Oysters

Location

Bedec Bay, located in the Northern Atlantic coastal region of New Brunswick, Canada, cultivates Village Bay oysters. This pristine bay provides an ideal environment for oyster growth, far from impurities and pollution. The location’s minimal human activity ensures that the oysters develop in clean, unpolluted waters.

The cold waters of Bedec Bay contribute significantly to the oysters’ development. The icy temperatures support slow, steady growth, which allows the oysters to develop their distinctive flavor profile and texture. The constant movement of these Canadian waters rocks the oysters’ suspended cages. This movement plays a crucial role in their development.

Bedec Bay’s nutrient-rich currents from the Northumberland Strait create optimal conditions for oyster growth. These currents likely bring a steady supply of phytoplankton and other microorganisms. Oysters feed on them, which supports their health and flavor development. The bay’s unique combination of freshwater input and ocean tides likely creates a balanced salinity level ideal for Eastern oysters.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

1. Domaine Fouassier 2021 ‘Rendez-Vous En Sancerre’ – This is a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley. It complements the oyster’s medium salinity. It enhances the subtle cucumber notes. Its bright acidity and citrus flavors enhance the oyster’s freshness while balancing their creamy texture.
2. Les Hauts de Milly Chablis 2021 Premier Cru Côte de Léchet – This is a Premier Cru Chablis. It offers a steely and flinty character. It pairs beautifully with the oyster’s delicate flavors. Its intense citrus fruit flavors and persistent salinity cut through the creaminess of the oysters, highlighting their subtle hazelnut undertones
3. Klein Constantia 2015 Vin de Constance – This iconic South African dessert wine uniquely pairs with these oysters. Its rich notes of apricot, honey, and orange zest contrast the oyster’s brininess. The wine’s natural acidity helps cut through the creamy texture of the village bay’s. On the other hand, its sweetness highlights their subtle hazelnut notes.
4. Chateau Leoville Las Cases 2020 Grand Cru Classe, St. Julien – This exceptional Bordeaux blend offers a complex profile that can enhance the oyster’s subtle flavors. Its cassis, blackberry, and graphite notes provide an intriguing contrast to the oyster’s delicate taste. At the same time, its polished tannins and balanced acidity cleanse the palate between bites.
5. Pilsner Urquell – This classic Czech Pilsner offers a crisp, clean profile that refreshes the palate after each salty bite. Its subtle maltiness complements the oyster’s sweetness, while its hoppy bitterness contrasts pleasantly with their creamy finish.

Where Can I Buy Village Bay Oysters?

1. Village Bay Oysters Official Website – You can order directly from the source.
2. Fortune Fish & Gourmet– They list the oysters as part of their East Coast oyster selection.
3. Seacore Seafood – They list Village Bay oysters in their product catalog, available in 80 or 100 count cases.

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