Wallace Bay Oysters

Did you know that some of the most delicious oysters in the world come from the Northumberland Strait in Nova Scotia, Canada? These oysters, known as Wallace Bay oysters or Crassostrea virginica, are a true treat for any seafood lover. These oysters are between 2.5 and 3.5 inches in size, and they are classified as choice oysters. They have a robust, salty start and a smooth, clean finish, making them a favorite among oyster connoisseurs. 

The oysters are wild and have grown for about five years in the icy depths of Wallace Bay, which contributes to their toughness and intense flavor. Divers harvest them one bay west of Tatamagouche and southeast of the New Brunswick border.  The oysters’ shells are characterized by their lumpy texture, and many have a light green or pearlescent white patina on the outside and a yellow-purple nacre inside.

Wallace Bay Oysters Information

Oyster: Wallace Bay

Species: Crassostrea Virginica

Cultivation Method: Wild oysters are harvested by hand from divers.

Seasonality: September – June

Size: 2.5 – 3.5″

Culture Method: 5-year Bottom Culture in the icy depths of Wallace Bay.

Salinity: 24-27ppt

Appearance: These oysters have a challenging and lumpy shell, which is a result of their wild and rugged environment. The shells can have a light green or pearlescent white patina on the outside, with a yellow-purple nacre inside

Flavor Profile: a full, gamy flavor, followed by a subtle sweetness and moderate briny finish.

Location

Wallace Bay oysters are harvested in a bay west of Tatamagouche and southeast of the New Brunswick line in the Northumberland Strait. The challenging conditions in this region contribute to the unique flavor and quality of the oysters.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

• Champagne: The fizzy brightness of champagne works well with almost every oyster, enhancing subtle flavors.
• Muscadet: A classic pairing for oysters, Muscadet from the Loire Valley in France is a dry, light-bodied white wine with high acidity that complements the brininess of the oysters.
• Chablis: Another classic pairing, Chablis is a dry, unoaked Chardonnay from the Burgundy region of France that has a crisp, mineral character that pairs well with oysters.
• Viognier: A white wine from France, Viognier can be a unique alternative to the classic pairings. The higher alcohol content can help balance the salty brine of the oyster, making it taste meatier.
• Sauternes: A sweet wine from Bordeaux, France, Sauternes can be a surprising pairing for oysters. The brinier the oysters, the better the pairing, but it can also work with sweeter West Coast oysters if you use younger, more vibrant Sauternes.
• Bourbon highballs: If you prefer cocktails, bourbon highballs can be an excellent option for raw, chilled oysters. The spirit tends to intensify the flavor of the oysters and also serves as a palate cleanser.

Where Can I Buy Wallace Bay Oysters

• Seacore Seafood Products– Family-owned seafood supplier and seafood distributor in Canada, we search the world to bring the best fish and seafood products to our customers.
• Fortune Fish & Gourmet– The leading seafood and specialty foods distributor in the Midwest;
• Island Creek Oysters– Harvested daily and shipped overnight from Duxbury Bay to your kitchen.

These online retailers offer fresh and high-quality Wallace Bay oysters, and some even provide free overnight delivery.