mm
average size
Live in oyster bars submerged in sea water
types in Canada
years
average lifespan
History
We’ve been slurping back these supposed aphrodisiacs for centuries. In fact, archeologists and scientists have found evidence that Ancient Romans were farming and fishing oysters off the coast of France and the UK as early as the 1st century BC. In Canada, oysters are found on both coasts. The Pacific oyster and the Eastern oyster each have a variety of sizes and taste choices, so you can try them all to find your favourite.
Best sustainable option
The majority of oysters available today come from aquaculture farms and are all considered sustainable.
In Season
janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Landed
13,862 tonnes
of shrimp were produced and brought onshore in Canada in 2014.
Did you know?
All oysters are born male. Half of the population will then convert to female to ensure reproduction. If there doesn’t end up being enough males, some females will then convert back to male.
Taste/Texture
Soft, chewy and salty
What to look for
Fresh oysters are available either as a whole (live), half shell or shucked. An easy way to check for freshness is to tap the shell. If the oyster is fresh, the shell should shut easily. Avoid any with an open shell as those oysters are dead and not safe to eat. Be sure to always smell oysters before eating them. If they give off a strong and unpleasant smell, they aren’t fresh and shouldn’t be eaten.
Watch a video on Oysters
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How to cook
Meet Chef Spencer Watts
Chef Spencer Watts says cooking is the great love of his life. His father and grandfather were both cod fishermen, so a love of fishing and being on the water runs in his blood. Growing up on the lower mainland of British Columbia, Spencer was inspired by the vast array of fresh local ingredients available.
Spencer is a graduate of the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. He quickly progressed through the ranks at The Westin Grand and C restaurant, while training with some of the best local talent in the culinary scene. In 2007 he opened his very own restaurant, ‘Spence on the Coast,’ in Sechelt. Later he started his own local cable cooking show called “Coast Cooking with Spence.”
Spencer is presently enjoying life in Vancouver while working on his cookbook and promoting sustainable seafood.
History
We’ve been slurping back these supposed aphrodisiacs for centuries. In fact, archeologists and scientists have found evidence that Ancient Romans were farming and fishing oysters off the coast of France and the UK as early as the 1st century BC. In Canada, oysters are found on both coasts. The Pacific oyster and the Eastern oyster each have a variety of sizes and taste choices, so you can try them all to find your favourite.
Best sustainable option
The majority of oysters available today come from aquaculture farms and are all considered sustainable.
In Season
janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Landed
13,862 tonnes
of shrimp were produced and brought onshore in Canada in 2014.
Did you know?
All oysters are born male. Half of the population will then convert to female to ensure reproduction. If there doesn’t end up being enough males, some females will then convert back to male.
Taste/Texture
Soft, chewy and salty
What to look for
Fresh oysters are available either as a whole (live), half shell or shucked. An easy way to check for freshness is to tap the shell. If the oyster is fresh, the shell should shut easily. Avoid any with an open shell as those oysters are dead and not safe to eat. Be sure to always smell oysters before eating them. If they give off a strong and unpleasant smell, they aren’t fresh and shouldn’t be eaten.