(Marennes-Oléron oysters)
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.
Generally, Marennes Oléron oysters have a refined, delicate, less bitter and iodized taste than that of open sea oysters. They are better protected, with a high-quality shell, and some have a green hue around the gills, due to the Blue Navicula algae, native to the region.
The flesh grows significantly in the oyster beds, giving them a specific texture and flavor known as "oyster bed taste", which is first salty on the palate and then it becomes sweet. Pair the oysters with lemon, bread and butter for a complete, tasty appetizer.
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