Rainier Oyster Profile

Rainier Oysters are the “big bad boys” of Puget Sound, with an average size of about 4″ – 5″ long, but easily reaching sizes of over 6 inches long. They are cultivated in South Puget Sound in the shadow of Washington State’s famous Mt. Rainier. They are a large beach grown which have plump, full meats and are perfect for an oyster bake, grilling, barbequing, or for stew. If eaten raw, the smaller Rainiers have a buttery, creamy texture, a light brininess and sweet flavor.
Rainier oysters are a larger version of the Gold Creek oyster. Availability is a bit spotty, with the best source probably being through Penn Cove Shellfish which distributes a variety of PNW oysters.
Rainier Oyster | |
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Location | South Puget Sound, WA |
Species | Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) |
Oyster Availability | September – July |
Size | 3.5″ to over 6″ |
Oyster Cultivation | Beach Grown |
Oyster Flavor Profile | Rainier Oysters have full meats with a buttery, creamy texture, a light brininess and sweet flavor. |
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.
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