TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best European Oysters Types
True Belon oysters are produced in the area around the French river Belon, and some say that they are some of the rarest oysters in the world. They have a flavor reminiscent of brine and an intense copper finish, and they are full of umami.
These oysters are flat and round, with rippled green shells. However, in the 1950s, scientists brought these oysters to the Unites States of America, Maine in particular, where they are sold in a quantity of only 5,000 oysters per year.
Huîtres Marennes Oléron are oysters from the Bassin de Marennes Oléron area in France, where shellfish farming is a principal activity. The oysters are matured and fattened on oyster beds after which they are sold fresh, live and unprocessed.
There are quite a few varieties of these oysters, some of them rich in water and with a fine flesh flavor, the others greener, rounder, softer, firmer, crispier or with a more pronounced, long-lasting, hazelnutty taste, depending on the type of oyster.
Malostonske kamenice are fresh european flat oysters produced in the Mali Ston bay near the city of Dubrovnik. Special reserve Mali Ston bay, a protected area of nature, represents one of the last preserved habitats of this oyster species.
The nearby river called Neretva and numerous underground freshwater sources add fresh water filled with minerals to the bay, making it an ideal area for oyster farming which is confirmed by the tradition dating back to the times of the Roman Empire.
Whitstable oysters come from the oyster beds near Whitstable in Kent, and have a unique, fat, succulent meat full of zinc and Omega 3 fatty acids. They are harvested, washed and graded after three to five years of growing in the oyster beds, after which they are sold live and fresh.
Visually, they are small, flat, round, bluish and firm, and are at their best if eaten in cold weather to fully experience their soft and creamy texture.
Maldon rock oysters are oysters that are sustainably grown and harvested from the oyster beds in Maldon, Essex. The oysters are characterized by their distinct flavor and meatiness, which is a result of growing in salt marshes. It’s recommended to enjoy them on the half-shell, but the oysters can also be fried in a pan or topped with various ingredients and baked.
These oysters take three years to grow to market size. For the best experience, serve them on a bed of ice and samphire, and then add a squeeze of lemon juice, a splash of Tabasco sauce, or a drizzle of shallot vinegar on top.
Guernsey oysters are a type of locally bred and grown oysters in the area of the island of Guernsey. To preserve their high-quality, the oysters are raised exclusively from the seed of oysters defined by best-quality shell and meat. Guernsey oysters are Pacific oysters, scientifically known as Crassostrea gigas, which consist of meat with a plump texture and a sweet flavor contained within a deep-cupped shell.
These oysters are said to be distinguished by their natural and clean flavor derived from the pure waters in which they are raised and the algae they consume. They are a specialty of Guernsey cuisine, available in local restaurants and consumed within 10 miles of the area in which they are farmed.
Lim Bay on the west coast of Istria is one of the best locations for oyster farming in Croatia. The oysters that are farmed in the area belong to the Ostreidae family. They are gray, flat and slightly convex on one side, while the flesh is abundant, juicy, and subtly sweet.
The oysters are best enjoyed in winter and late spring, though they are also available in the summer. They are prepared in a variety of ways, but it is best to enjoy them fresh, preferably drizzled with a few drops of lemon juice and served with warm toast and butter on the side.
Fal Oyster is a name given to brown or cream, oval-shelled oysters caught in a traditional, sustainable way in south-west England, on the river beds of the Fal Estuary. The oysters are harvested between October 1st and March 31st. Their texture is firm and salty, the flesh is cream colored, while the taste is similar to melon, lettuce and cucumber, with a tin-like, coppery finish.
They are sold live in their shells and should be eaten in a maximum period of five days. Fal oyster goes well with raspberry vinaigrette, or used in ham terrine, steamed or smoked.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best European Oysters Producers
Carlingford Oyster Company is an Irish seafood producer specializing in oysters. The company is based in Carlingford, a coastal town in County Louth, Ireland. Their oysters are cultivated in Carlingford Lough, an area known for its clean and nutrient-rich waters, which contribute to the oysters' distinctive flavor.
Carlingford Oyster Company supplies both domestic and international markets, adhering to high-quality and sustainability standards.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024, 2021
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023, 2022
BEST Carlingford Oyster Company Seafood
Atlantic Edge Oysters, operated by Tethys Oysters Ltd, is located in Haverfordwest, Wales. The company specializes in cultivating and harvesting premium oysters in the pristine waters surrounding Pembrokeshire. They employ sustainable aquaculture practices to ensure the health of both their oysters and the local marine environment.
Atlantic Edge Oysters is involved in the full production cycle from seed to harvest, providing fresh, high-quality oysters to their customers.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2022
BEST Atlantic Edge Oysters Seafood
Cooley Oysters Ltd is an Irish company that specializes in the cultivation and export of premium oysters. The business is located on the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth, leveraging the nutrient-rich waters of the region to produce high-quality shellfish.
They focus on sustainable farming practices to ensure long-term environmental and economic viability.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023
BEST My Gourmet Mushrooms Seafood
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best European Oysters
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022
Pembrokeshire Rock Oysters are a premium product cultivated by Atlantic Edge Oysters (Tethys Oysters Ltd). These oysters are grown in the pristine waters off the coast of Pembrokeshire, Wales, benefiting from the nutrient-rich currents of the Atlantic Ocean.
The company's sustainable farming methods ensure that the oysters are harvested at their peak, offering a distinctive taste characterized by a balance of brininess and sweetness, with a firm, plump texture.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2022
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2022
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2021
Seafood
My Gourmet Mushrooms Marinated King Oyster Mushrooms - in Extra-virgin Olive Oil, with Lemon and Oregano
Marinated King Oyster Mushrooms by My Gourmet Mushrooms Ltd. are a culinary delight featuring high-quality mushrooms preserved in extra-virgin olive oil. These mushrooms are enhanced with the fresh tanginess of lemon and the aromatic flavor of oregano.
They are perfect for adding depth to salads, antipasti platters, or as a flavor-packed topping for grilled meats and vegetables.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024
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