Stellar Bay Oysters

Stellar Bay Oyster Flavor Profile Characteristics

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Stellar Bay Oysters are a Pacific Northwest oyster from one of the British Columbia oyster appellations in Deep Bay by Vancouver Island, BC. They are a larger version of the famous Kusshi oyster, and like Kusshis, they are farmed by the tray suspension method coupled with a unique tumbling process. Oysters which are cultivated only by the suspension method are the prima donnas of oyster. They are suspended in mesh trays in deep water their entire lives, protected from predators, mud, sand and silt. They have beautiful shells with deep cups, but they are an oyster shucker’s nightmare because their shells are brittle since they never had to fight for survival. Stellar Bay Oysters take the extra step of Tumbling which helps strengthen their shells. The oyster flavor profile of suspended oysters tends to be clean, sweet & light, with meats which are tender.

Stellar Bay Oyster Tumbling

Some oysters which are raised by the suspension method are put through an additional step where they are periodically tumbled. This strengthens their shells and adds firmness to the meats. It also adds a distinctive look to the shell as it becomes smoother from tumbling. The Kusshi Oyster is another example of this additional process.

Stellar Bay Oyster
Location	Deep Bay, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Species	Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea gigas)
Oyster Availability	September – July
Size	2 1/2″ to 3 1/2″
Oyster Cultivation	Suspended tray + Tumbling
Oyster Flavor Profile	Stellar Bay Oysters have deep cups with meaty flesh and a very clean, delicate flavor.
Buy Oysters	Stellar Bay Oyster website

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.

Click on the video image below to visit Stellar Bay to see their processing.