Varieties of Canadian Atlantic Oysters
Atlantic oysters account for roughly 40 percent of the oysters produced in Canada, according to the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance. Also known as Eastern oysters, Canadian Atlantic oysters are found off the shores of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. Their many varieties offer cooks and connoisseurs a variety of size, flavor and texture options.
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Malpeque
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In his book A Geography of Oysters: The Connoisseur's Guide to Oyster Eating in North America, Rowan Jacobsen calls the Malpeque "one of the finest wild oysters on the East Coast". They are also Canada's best known oyster. Salty and firm with a sweet, clean finish, Malpeques are very versatile and can be steamed, grilled, baked, deep-fried, sauteed, used in soups and sauces or simply enjoyed on the half shell.
Canada Cup
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While named after Canada and primarily associated with Prince Edward Island, these oysters can be found off the Atlantic coastline extending down to Rhode Island. Roughly 3 inches in diameter, Canada Cups are well-defined, salty and firm. Canada Cups are a favorite for raw Oyster bars due to their consistency in form and size.
Colville Bay
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Colville Bays are another Prince Edward Island favorite. These oysters have a distinctive flavor due to the surrounding water's aeration caused by the Souris River's entry into the bay. Their shells are shaped like tear-drops and are a rich emerald green. Their meat has a crunchy texture and distinctive sweet flavor.
Caraquet
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Caraquets are popular, inexpensive Atlantic oysters farmed off the coast of New Brunswick. Caraquets are generally 2 inches long and their meat is dark in color. The Caraquet's light flavor and texture make them a good introductory choice for oyster novices.
Raspberry Points
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Raspberry Points are Prince Edward Island oysters known for their briny taste and clean finish. Raspberry Points are farmed in the same areas as Malpeques and generally share their outward appearance, though they are generally a bit larger in overall size. Raspberry Points are farmed in cages that keep them off the bottom of the seabed, which helps to keep their flavor light.
Cape Breton
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Cape Breton is the term used to describe any variety of oyster originating from around the island. Cape Bretons vary significantly in size, texture and flavor.
Malagash Thrumcap
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The Malagash Thrumcap wins the prize for the best oyster name. These oysters are found off Thrumcap Island in Nova Scotia. They vary in size and are generally small but they can grow up to 4 inches. The Malagash Thrumcap is bottom-grown, firm and has an irregular cup. Its distinctive taste is smokey and has a slight hint of vegetables.
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