Best Shellfish Types in the World
American lobster (lat. Homarus americanu), also known as Maine lobster, Atlantic lobster, Canadian lobster, true lobster, northern lobster, and Canadian Reds, is considered the heaviest crustacean in the world, and can be found along the Atlantic coast of North America.
It usually reaches 8-24 inches (20-60 cm) and there are several color variants, but it's typically blueish green or brown-red. It displays the pearliest meat that is succulent, juicy, and tender when gently boiled, steamed, or grilled with some hot, melted butter and a drizzle of lemon juice.
THE BEST American lobster Lobsters
Mejillón de Galicia are the fresh mussels (lat. Mytilus galloprovincialis), cultivated using rafts in the area of the Galician rías in the provinces of A Coruña and Pontevedra. These mussels have bright orange flesh and are very flavorful.
They are grown in the traditional way using rafts on which the mussels grow on the ropes that are suspended up to 12 meters deep below the surface. Once harvested, mejillón de Galicia are thoroughly inspected according to the strict set of rules and guidelines.
Centolla fueguina is an exceptionally flavored crustacean of the crab family Lithodes santolla, also known as Southern king crab or Tierra del Fuego crab, native across the southern coasts of Argentina and Chile. The best-known fishing grounds with the highest quality of crab are found in the Beagle Channel in the south of Argentina.
The crab’s sweet, delicately flavored meat found in the long legs and the red, spiky shell is widely regarded as one of the best crab meat in the world. A gastronomic delight, centolla fueguina is undisputedly one of the most famous regional delicacies of the Tierra del Fuego province, served in restaurants all over the region.
Dungeness crab is a common crab found in the Pacific Northwest and off the coast of Washington. This large crustacean is heavier than most crabs and around 25% of its weight is pure meat. It's caught during the winter and until July in one-way door cages called pots.
This crab is usually steamed or boiled whole, and the firm-textured meat with a sweet, mild, and nutty flavor is picked afterwards. The meat can be used in salads, crab cakes, stews, bisques, dips, and pasta dishes. It's also sometimes used in a spicy curry, which is then served with steamed rice on the side.
Coquille Saint-Jacques des Côtes-d'Armor are scallops of the pecten maximus species that are sold whole, either fresh or frozen in their shells. They come from the seabed in the Côtes-d'Armor region, famous for its fish products since the 1960s.
The scallops are caught in the wintertime, their taste is complex, at the same time sweet and salty and their texture is delicately creamy. When fresh, they are quite firm and have a pleasant smell but when they are out of the shell they will become softer and lose some of their moisture.
Moules de Bouchot de la Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel are fresh mussels of the Mytilus edulis species, farmed on the high wooden stakes placed in water in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel between the regions of Ille et Vilaine and Manche in France.
The mussels have hard, black shells and big, orange flesh on the inside. It is one of the gastronomic gems of the region, farmed since 1954, and today there is a fascinating 270 kilometers of mussel lines. The season in which they are harvested lasts from July until February.
The warm waters of Florida’s Gulf Coast are home to the state’s quintessential seafood delicacy - the stone crab. This small crustacean has a smooth, red-brownish shell with a pair of hefty claws which are packed with sweet, flaky, and delicate meat.
Stone crab’s meaty claws are the primary target when harvesting this crustacean between mid-October and mid-May. Live stone crabs have their claws removed skillfully, and they are then released into the water to regrow them within the span of 1 or 2 years.
Camarão da Costa Negra (Black Coast shrimp) is a shrimp cultivated in captivity. It is produced in the municipalities of Itarema, Acaraú, Cruz, and Jijoca de Jericoacoara. Camarão da Costa Negra is high in protein content and has a sweet flavor due to the geographical environment of the region and human factors involved in the cultivation.
The water used in the tanks comes from the River Acarau, which is rich in nutrients and, therefore, these shrimps have a similar flavor to that of crustaceans living in the sea. It is an all-natural product, free of antibiotics or any other chemicals.
Found off the coast of northern Australia, Moreton Bay bug belongs to the Thenus species of slipper lobsters and encompasses reef bug, officially known as Thenus australiensis and mud bug, officially named Thenus parindicus.
Meat that is found in the tail can withstand poaching, steaming, barbecuing, deep-frying, or grilling, and is characterized by its firm texture and medium to strong flavor. The slipper lobster can be prepared whole and enjoyed as the main course, but the meat is easily incorporated into other dishes.
Nordseekrabben, scientifically known as Crangon crangon, are a variety of small shrimps that inhabit the North Sea off the coasts of Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Known by various names in Germany, including nordseegarnelen or porre, these shrimps are recognizable for their brownish or gray color as well as their tender flesh, which is said to have a distinctively sweet, mildly spicy, and delicate flavor.
Commonly referred to as brown shrimps, the shrimps have five pairs of thoracic legs and no pincers, and besides burrowing in sand, they have also developed an ability to change their coloration when avoiding predators. Considered a seafood delicacy, these succulent and crispy shrimps are typically enjoyed tucked in bread rolls or in a rye sandwich, paired with fresh salads and spicy dressings.
Best Shellfish Producers in the World
Prince Edward Aqua Farms is renowned for producing premium shellfish, particularly their Island Gold Blue Mussels, which have earned international acclaim for their delicate flavor and nutritional value. Cultivated in the pristine natural bays of Prince Edward Island, these mussels are rope-grown, resulting in top-quality, hearty meats harvested year-round. The company is committed to environmental stewardship, implementing sustainable practices across all operations.
This dedication is exemplified by their Ocean Wise certification, assuring consumers that their products are an environmentally responsible seafood choice. Beyond mussels, Prince Edward Aqua Farms offers a diverse selection of shellfish, including oysters, clams, and quahogs, all cultivated and harvested with the same meticulous attention to quality.
BEST Prince Edward Aqua Farms Seafood
Lobsters 'R' Us is a respected seafood producer specializing in the supply of premium live lobsters and snow crab. Their commitment to excellence at every stage of the process—from harvest to delivery—ensures freshness, safety, and authentic ocean flavor.
Through close collaboration with local fishers and the use of state-of-the-art storage facilities, the company maintains ideal conditions to preserve the natural quality of its products. Energy-efficient technology and an advanced traceability system guarantee consistent quality and full transparency in every shipment.
BEST Lobsters 'R' Us Seafood
Finest At Sea is a true symbol of premium quality, responsible fishing, and the authentic flavors of Canada’s West Coast. As a company driven by passionate fishers, experts, and ocean enthusiasts, Finest At Sea brings only 100% wild-caught seafood to the market—carefully selected and processed with the utmost respect for nature.
Their philosophy is rooted in sustainability, transparency, and excellence—from ocean to plate. By controlling every step of the process, from their own fleet to in-house processing and distribution, Finest At Sea guarantees products of uncompromising quality.
BEST Finest At Sea Seafood
Atlantic Aqua Farms is a Canadian company that specializes in the cultivation, processing, and distribution of mussels on Prince Edward Island, Canada. The company is recognized as one of the leaders in the aquaculture industry, with a strong commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability.
Atlantic Aqua Farms offers a wide range of mussels, including fresh and frozen packages, as well as high-oxidation packaging that extends product freshness, allowing customers to enjoy the finest seafood. In addition to mussels, the company also focuses on the cultivation of high-quality oysters from Prince Edward Island.
BEST Atlantic Aqua Farms Seafood
Island Creek Oysters is a renowned oyster farm located in Duxbury, Massachusetts, known for its high-quality, sustainably farmed oysters. Founded in 1992, the farm has built a strong reputation for producing some of the best oysters in the United States, thanks to its prime location along the coast of Duxbury Bay, which provides ideal conditions for growing oysters.
The oysters at Island Creek are known for their clean, crisp flavor, which comes from the natural, nutrient-rich waters of Duxbury Bay. The oysters are cultivated using traditional methods that emphasize sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Ekone Premium Tinned Seafood is a brand specializing in high-quality canned seafood, owned and operated by the Taylor family, known for Taylor Shellfish Farms. This family farm focuses on shellfish cultivation with an emphasis on sustainability and environmental preservation.
Their product range includes renowned smoked oysters, famous for their freshness and perfect taste. These oysters are harvested at their peak and then smoked in traditional methods, resulting in a rich and complex flavor. In addition to oysters, Ekone offers other products such as smoked mussels, tuna, salmon, and octopus, all carefully packed in environmentally friendly cans.
BEST Ekone Seafood Seafood
Seacore Seafood is a family-owned business based in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, specializing in the processing of fresh and frozen seafood. Established in 1987, Seacore Seafood has become one of the leading companies in the seafood industry in Canada.
The company takes pride in its dedicated approach to quality and sustainability, providing its customers with seafood that is highly rated for its freshness and flavor. Seacore Seafood offers a wide range of products, including crabs, bass, salmon, shellfish, and many other types of fish and seafood.
In addition to fresh products, Seacore also offers frozen options, which undergo rigorous standards to preserve their nutritional value and flavor.
BEST Seacore Seafood Seafood
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
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023
BEST My Gourmet Mushrooms Seafood
Best Shellfishes in the World
Organic Choice Mussels are a delicacy raised in harmony with nature. These mussels are known for their exceptional quality—each shell holds plump, tender meat with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. From seed to harvest, they are cultivated with great care, earning them an international reputation.
Every bite is rich in natural nutrients and full of flavor, just the way organic food lovers expect. Organic Choice Mussels proudly carry organic certification from Global Trust (now part of SAI Global), a global leader in aquaculture standards. This certification confirms that our mussels are farmed and processed in accordance with the strictest rules of organic production.
Princess Delights are premium oysters cultivated by Prince Edward Aqua Farms in the cold, pristine waters of Prince Edward Island—a natural environment that provides the perfect conditions for their growth and development. These oysters are celebrated for their rich, rounded flavor profile, featuring deep, buttery, and earthy notes, balanced perfectly with a clean brininess and a crisp texture that finishes refreshingly on the palate.
Their taste is refined and layered, each oyster reveals subtle nuances that evolve with every bite, from light mineral tones to the full-bodied essence of the sea, making them a delightful experience for the senses. Whether served raw on the half shell with a splash of lemon, gently baked, or featured in gourmet recipes, Princess Delights maintain their depth of flavor and fresh texture in every preparation.
The Americian lobster is one of the world’s most prized seafood delicacies and the lobsters offered by Lobsters 'R' Us stand out for their exceptional freshness, flavor, and quality. The cold environment slows their growth, allowing for a natural buildup of protein and nutrients.
This results in meat that is denser, juicier, and more flavorful—delivering a deep, well-rounded taste that needs little enhancement. It’s a pure expression of the ocean’s finest. Whether boiled, grilled, or used in gourmet dishes, Atlantic lobster from Lobsters 'R' Us leaves a lasting impression.
Spot Prawns Whole are one of the West Coast’s most prized seafood delicacies, celebrated for their natural sweetness, tender texture, and delicate flavor. Harvested from the cold, pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean, these whole prawns complete with head and shell are flash-frozen at sea to lock in peak freshness and preserve their full culinary potential.
Caught using sustainable and responsible fishing practices, these spot prawns are a true reflection of the care and quality that Finest At Sea is known for. With their firm, juicy meat and rich taste, they offer a premium seafood experience that’s both delicious and eco-conscious.
Clearwater’s Snow Crab are a premium seafood delicacy, sustainably harvested from the cold, pristine waters of the North Atlantic, known for their naturally sweet flavor, juicy texture, and delicate snow-white meat. These crabs are fully cooked and frozen at peak freshness, making them ideal for a variety of culinary uses—from appetizers and seafood platters to main courses.
Each cluster features one side of crab legs and a claw, carefully processed and packed to preserve maximum freshness and quality. Caught and handled according to the highest food safety standards and certified by the MSC, these crab clusters are not only a gourmet delight but also a responsible choice for consumers who value sustainability and natural purity.
Clearwater Premium Hardshell Fresh Lobster is a high-quality delicacy, wild-caught from the cold, pristine waters of the North Atlantic, renowned for its succulent, firm texture and naturally sweet flavor. These lobsters are sustainably harvested and carefully handled to preserve maximum freshness and quality, meeting the highest standards of food safety.
With their hard shells and rich meat, they are an ideal choice for seafood lovers seeking an authentic taste of the ocean. Whether boiled, steamed, baked, or grilled, Clearwater lobsters deliver a premium culinary experience with the assurance of a natural and responsibly sourced product.
The mussels produced by Atlantic Aqua Farms are known for their rich and subtle flavor that reflects the pristine, untouched waters of Prince Edward Island. Due to their cultivation method, which involves natural feeding in the water, these mussels have a refreshing, oceanic taste with a mild salinity typical of shellfish growing in nutrient-rich marine ecosystems.
Their fleshy yet tender and juicy interior provides a pleasant texture, while the mild, yet consistent flavor allows them to pair perfectly with various seasonings, butter, garlic, herbs, or be enjoyed with minimal additions. Perfectly balanced between sweet and salty, these seafood delicacies have a mild yet rich "seafood" profile, making them ideal for dishes such as paella, seafood pastas, soups, or for baking and grilling.
Navajas en Salmuera are canned shellfish produced by the Spanish company Conservas de Cambados. These razor clams, known for their elongated, razor-like shape, are considered a delicacy due to their juicy and tender texture and mild flavor. For the preparation of these clams, Conservas de Cambados pays special attention to their manual processing to remove impurities such as sand.
After cleaning, the clams are carefully packed in brine, which helps preserve their natural properties and flavor.
American Lobster from Seacore Seafood is an extremely valued product, known for its rich meat and delicate texture. These lobsters come from the cold waters of the northeastern coast of North America, primarily from the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, which is renowned for its high-quality, wild-caught lobsters.
The meat of the American Lobster is sweet, juicy, and very tender, with a richer and deeper flavor compared to other types of seafood. The lobster has a hard shell that protects the meat, while the inner parts (tail and claws) are rich in high-quality proteins, making them ideal for a variety of culinary preparations.
Snow Crab is a highly valued product, known for its rich and sweet meat, sourced from the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean, specifically from the Canadian Gulf of St. Lawrence and other areas along the eastern coast of Canada. Snow Crab is a popular choice among seafood lovers due to its juicy texture and mild, natural flavor.
Seacore Seafood offers frozen Snow Crab, which helps preserve the maximum freshness and quality of the meat. Snow Crab is very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Its meat is sweet, juicy, and very tender, making it ideal for salads, sushi, sandwiches, pasta, risotto, or as the main ingredient in warm dishes like creamy soups or vegetable-based meals.
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