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Quilcene Oysters
We at J.P.’s Shellfish feel very fortunate to be able to offer you the Quilcene oyster (Crassostrea gigas), which is harvested from the cold waters of Washington State’s Quilcene Bay. Quilcene Bay is a large tidal inlet which juts off of the Northwestern reaches of Dabob Bay (which is in turn fed by the Hood Canal). The sea water which twice daily flush through Quilcene Bay are some of the purest waters in the Pacific Northwest, and the estuary formed where these waters meet those of the Big and Little Quilcene Rivers serves as an ideal environment for the grow-out of oysters. The Quilcenes are started in an upweller which provides them with a constant flow of nutrient rich waters, and facilitates the grow-out process. Once the Quilcenes attain the size of roughly a half an inch, they are transferred from the upweller to mesh bags, which are staked to the intertidal shores of the bay. The exposure to the Sun causes the shells of the oysters to thicken rapidly. The resulting oyster is resistant to cracking during the shucking process. Additionally, at low tide, the oysters are exposed not only to the Sun, but also the air. This conditions the Quilcenes to close tightly when removed from the water, thereby retaining their liquor, effectively preventing the meats from drying out, and as a direct result of that, extending the oyster’s life expectancy. The Quilcenes remain staked to the shores for the duration of their grow-out, which typically ranges between two and a half to three years. During this time, the Quilcenes develop the signature fluted shell that instantly distinguishes the Pacific oyster from its Atlantic cousins. Meats are full, with a delicate texture. The flavor profile of the Quilcene is complex, starting with metallic/mineral overtones, and finishing with a sweet brininess. Quilcenes are available year round in 100 or 120 count units. As with all of our west coast products, pre-orders are required on the Quilcenes.
Please email info@jpshellfish.com or call 207-439-6018 for more information on this and or any other J.P.'s Shellfish product or service.
