Belon oyster illustration
France Researched

Belon

Ostrea edulis

The connoisseur's choice. Complex, intensely mineral, with bold metallic and seaweed notes.

Brininess
Size Large
Shell flat

Flavor Profile

Brininess 3/5
Sweetness 1/5
Minerality 5/5
Creaminess 2/5

Primary Flavors

Secondary Notes

Finish

Long, intense, metallic

Expert Notes

The Belon is not for the faint of heart. Its intense mineral and metallic character can be challenging for newcomers but is revered by connoisseurs. The flat shell and unique European species create a flavor profile unlike any Pacific or Atlantic oyster.

Origin & Characteristics

Species
Ostrea edulis
Native to
Europe
Grown in
Belon River, Brittany
Size
Large (3-4 inches)
Shell Color
Brown-gray
Meat Color
Gray-green

Perfect Pairings

Best Seasons: Fall, Winter

What Experts Say

Across 11 sources, tasters describe this oyster as:

Unique notes: zinc, umami, fish, hazelnut, seaweed, gamey, brassy

"These wild oysters are as powerful as any on the planet, redolent of fish and zinc and umami—not for the faint of heart."

powerfulfishzincumami

"The high brine so often associated with Gulf of Maine oysters is overshadowed by strong metallic and mineral tones. The Harpswell Flats possess a distinct flavor."

brinymetallicmineral

"Each Belon Oyster delivers a bold briny burst, followed by a complex wave of earthy, coppery, and mineral-rich notes—a flavor profile often described as 'intensely savory,' 'metallic,' and 'almost nutty.'"

brinyearthycopperymineralsavory

"A meaty chew, strong brine, and an intense, lingering copper finish."

meatybrinycopperintenselingering

"Belon oysters are known for their distinctive, complex flavor that sets them apart from other oyster varieties. They have a rich, briny taste with hints of seaweed and hazelnut, and a firm texture."

complexrichbrinyseaweedhazelnut

"It is brassy, in every sense of the word. Brassy because it tastes like metal, and because it is shamelessly bold, and because when it hits your tongue it slaps you awake like the opening blast of a bugler's reveille."

brassymetallicbold

"They have a large, plump texture that hits you with coppery, metallic notes, finishing with a strong, gamey flavor that lingers for many minutes."

plumpcopperymetallicgameylingering

About the Farm

Huîtrières du Château de Bélon

Est. 1864

Founded in 1864 on the Belon River in Southern Brittany, the Huîtrières du Château de Bélon have been cultivating oysters for generations on the famous Belon River.

Cultivation Method
wild harvest

History & Background

The European Flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) originates from the Belon River in Brittany, France, where it has been celebrated since ancient times. Romans prized these oysters and transported them to Rome for consumption. Scientists brought European Flats to Boothbay Harbor, Maine, in the 1950s, and they went feral, establishing wild populations in the Gulf of Maine.

Belon is a protected designation in France, referring specifically to oysters from the Belon River. True Belon oysters from Maine are extremely rare, with only about 5,000 harvested annually, making them one of the rarest oysters in the world. They are considered the connoisseur's choice—oyster aficionados either love them or hate them.

Did You Know?

  • Only about 5,000 Maine Belon oysters are harvested annually, making them one of the rarest oysters in the world
  • The Glidden Midden in Maine contains oyster shells dating back over 2,000 years, some measuring a foot long
  • Maine Belons are harvested by divers in scuba gear working in 10-20 feet of water, even during winter months
  • Pangea Shellfish Company bands and sells over 10,000 Belons a week, contradicting the belief that they are extremely uncommon