Olympia Oyster

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Olympia Oyster Flavor Profile Characteristics

Olympia Oysters are a Pacific Northwest oyster from one of the South Puget Sound oyster appellations in Washington State.  They are an Intertidal Beach Cultured Oyster and have been farmed in Puget Sound since 1878.  In 1889 the Washington Territorial Legislature dubbed these oysters the "Olymia" oyster because they were so taken with it. 

Beach cultured oysters are raised on tidal beaches with sandy or rocky bottoms.  They are accustomed  to fighting the tides, clamping tightly shut during low tides to preserve their “liquor” and to protect themselves against predators.  Because of this “tough” life, beach raised oysters are hearty.  They have hard, sturdy shells which shuckers like to work with.  And their ability to close tightly, coupled with their hard shells, gives them a longer shelf life.

Olympia Oyster
Location	From Totten and Little Skookum Inlets, South Puget Sound, WA
Species	Olympia Oyster (Ostrea lurida)
Oyster Availability	October - May
Size	1 1/2 - 2"
Oyster Cultivation	Beach grown
Oyster Flavor Profile	Olympia Oysters have very small meats with a high brininess and sweet, coppery or metallic flavor.
Map	See Olympia Oyster Map

Visit the Olympia Oyster website at: http://www.olympiaoyster.com/home.htm

See proper shellfish storage methods for the best way to maintain the shelf life and flavor of your oysters. Also, check-out our list of where to buy raw oysters.