Prince Edward Island Oysters: A Seafood Lover’s Dream

Prince Edward Island (PEI), off the coastlines of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, is a small but potent destination for seafood lovers. Prince Edward Island oysters are what actually garner international attention, despite the island’s reputation for clams, lobster, and mussels.

These oysters have been prized for decades for their crisp, salty flavor. PEI oysters provide a distinctive experience, whether they are picked in the icy winter waters or eaten fresh at a café by the sea.

What Is Unique About PEI Oysters?

Because of the island’s distinct waters, Prince Edward Island oysters have a distinct flavor called “merroir,” which is comparable to wine’s terroir. Oysters produced from this natural combination of salt, minerals, and pure, cold water have a sweet yet briny flavor that seafood lovers adore.

The most popular variety on the island is the Malpeque oyster, which took home the title of tastiest oyster in the world during the 1900 Paris Exposition. Other cultivars including Valley Pearl, Pickle Point, and Colville Bay also have rich flavors and textures.

PEI Oyster Fishing: A Distinct Experience

Visitors can still enjoy oyster fishing by going with a professional guide, even though it is prohibited to gather oysters for recreational purposes.One of the more exciting activities is ice fishing for oysters with local fisherman Perry Gotell of Tranquility Cove Adventures.

Visitors can do the following in the winter:

• Break through the Brudenell River’s ice 
• View oysters in crystal-clear waters prior to harvesting them 
• Shuck and sample fresh oysters over the fire

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity highlights the island’s long-standing seafood customs.

Where to Get the Greatest Oysters from PEI

Restaurants, seafood shacks, and oyster bars all throughout the island serve PEI oysters. Among the top spots are: 

• Oysters by the dozen, both raw and cooked, are available at Claddagh Oyster House in Charlottetown. 
•  Landmark Oyster House in Victoria-by-the-Sea serves Rockefeller oysters and other seafood delicacies. For a distinctive twist, Merchantman (Charlottetown) bakes oysters with gouda and dill. 
•  Ship to Shore (Darnley): consists of a croissant with a fried oyster sandwich.
•  Valley Pearl Oysters – Serves fresh oysters straight from the source.

Plan a trip during the Prince Edward Island Shellfish Festival or the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival for a genuine experience.

How to Order PEI Oysters for Delivery to Your Home

Do you want to eat oysters from Prince Edward Island at home? Swell Oyster Co. is one of the local farms that ships to the United States. Malpeque oysters are also available in seafood stores from California to Boston. 

 Pro Tip: To keep oysters fresh, place them in the refrigerator cup-side down on a moist cloth.

PEI oysters offer a unique taste of the sea, whether you’re eating them raw, baking them with toppings, or incorporating them into chowder.

Source: USA Today