we want our customers to be informed buyers.

Every Wednesday ...

We evaluate each of our oysters to review the different characteristics, flavor profiles and spawn conditions of all the different oysters we carry. Many of our customers use this evaluation sheet to choose which oyster they would like to order for the week.

Checking the shellfish condition is most important in the summer months; as that is when most oysters spawn.

Spawning is the term referring to the reproductive cycle of the oysters, and during that time, oysters tend to become very creamy and bitter in flavor; and may shorten their shelf life.

• If the spawn scale is 4 or 5, you probably want to consider other oysters until the spawn cycle has completed which occurs in the late summer or early fall.

Pay attention to the category labeled MEAT FULLNESS following the summer oyster spawn season. After spawning, oysters have utilized their fat and sugar stores becoming very thin, watery and without much flavor until they’ve had a chance to replenish their sustenance.

For beginner oyster eaters refer to this tool on the left, the Oyster Flavor Wheel. It will help you decipher the variety of flavors of oysters as well as help you make a decision!

Visit Oysterology at Pangea Shellfish to learn more about this flavor wheel.