Bedeque Bay
Crassostrea virginica
Bottom-cultured Atlantic oyster from Salutation Cove in Prince Edward Island. Round, deep-cupped with tender meats, high salinity, and a strong distinctive flavor that stands out among typically mild Maritime oysters.
Flavor Profile
Finish
Strong, distinctive, lingering
Expert Notes
Bedeque Bay oysters are among Prince Edward Island's most distinctive offerings, with a notably stronger flavor profile than typical light-flavored Maritime oysters. Cultivated in the fast-flushing waters of Salutation Cove, these oysters benefit from twice-daily tidal surges that bring rich nutrients around Cranberry Point. This unique terroir results in oysters that grow two to three times faster than other PEI varieties, developing round, deep cups with tender meats and high salinity. The dense algae populations in Bedeque Bay contribute to their robust, full-bodied character that sets them apart from their regional counterparts. Origin & Characteristics
- Species
- Crassostrea virginica
- Native to
- Canada
- Grown in
- Salutation Cove, Bedeque Bay, Prince Edward Island
- Size
- Medium (2-3 inches)
- Shell Color
- Gray-white
- Meat Color
- Cream to light gray
What Experts Say
Across 5 sources, tasters describe this oyster as:
Unique notes: tender meats
"Bedeque Bays and Summersides have stronger flavor compared to the uncommonly light flavor of most Maritime oysters. This is explained by dense algae populations in Bedeque Bay."
strongdistinctive
"Strong, distinctive flavor with high salinity and tender meats. Cultivated in Salutation Cove, Prince Edward Island."
strongdistinctivehigh salinitytender
"They are also stronger flavoured than the typically light flavour of Maritime oysters. Cultivated in Salutation Cove, this spot receives two strong tidal surges each day, giving oysters in this area extra nutrients."
strongdistinctive
"Cultivated in Salutation Cove, this spot receives two strong tidal surges each day, giving oysters in this area extra nutrients. This environment helps them grow twice as fast as others on the Island. They are also stronger flavoured than the typically light flavour of Maritime oysters."
strong
"Grown in the pristine waters with a briny flavor with a sweet finish."
brinysweet
About the Farm
Bedeque Bay oysters are cultivated in Salutation Cove, which receives two strong tidal surges each day that replenish the bay with nutrients, helping oysters grow two to three times faster than other PEI oysters.
- Cultivation Method
- bottom culture
History & Background
Bedeque Bay on PEI's Northumberland Straits coast is considered one of PEI's best oyster regions, with a strong tidal surge that comes around Cranberry Point and replenishes the bay twice daily.
Bedeque Bay stands out among Prince Edward Island oyster regions for producing oysters with stronger, more distinctive flavors compared to the typically mild Maritime oysters, due to dense algae populations and excellent water flow.
Did You Know?
- Oysters in Bedeque Bay grow two to three times faster than any others on PEI
- The bay has a stronger tidal surge compared to slower-flushing Malpeque Bay
- Salutation Cove receives two strong tidal surges each day
Sources & References
This information was compiled from 5 sources.
- Bedeque Bay - Prince Edward Island — The Oyster Guide
- Bedeque Bay Oysters — Chefs Resources
- Aw, Shucks - PEI Living Summer 2022 — PEI Living Magazine
- Beginner's Guide to Oysters — Tourism PEI
- Metropolitan Meat, Seafood & Poultry Oyster Primer — Metropolitan Meat, Seafood & Poultry
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Learn More
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