Kelly Gigas
Crassostrea gigas
Pacific oyster farmed by the famed Kelly family in Galway Bay's mineral-rich waters. Exceptionally creamy with mild brine, grassy cucumber notes, and stunning purple-striped shells with pure white meat.
Flavor Profile
Finish
Mellow, sweet, balanced
Expert Notes
Kelly Gigas oysters are farmed by the renowned Kelly family in the nutrient-rich waters where minerals from The Burren limestone hills and boggy Connemara meet in Galway Bay. These Pacific oysters feature distinctively creamy flesh with notes of cucumber and creamed spinach rather than the typical West Coast profile. The pure white meat contrasted against the black mantle creates stunning visual presentation, while the flavor delivers a beautifully balanced experience with mild initial brininess that mellows into a sweet, clean finish. Three years to maturity in off-bottom racks. Origin & Characteristics
- Species
- Crassostrea gigas
- Native to
- Pacific Ocean
- Grown in
- Killeenaran, Galway Bay, County Galway
- Size
- Medium to Large (3-4 inches)
- Shell Color
- Heavy purple and white striping
- Meat Color
- Pure white with black mantle
Perfect Pairings
What Experts Say
Across 6 sources, tasters describe this oyster as:
Unique notes: creamed spinach, wild grass, crystal-fresh, Burren limestone waters
"The briny kiss of the Atlantic was undeniable, a pure, unadulterated taste of the sea."
brinypureAtlantic
"A harmony of salt, wild grass and crystal-fresh waters of the Burren limestone. As a younger oyster, our Gigas Oysters are fabulously firm, full and with a milder taste."
saltygrassycrystal-freshmildfirm
"The Kelly Gigas is a younger oyster: it does not stay and feed as long in the water as the Native Flat, so the taste is milder. While our farming method that takes advantage of the cool Atlantic water promotes a fabulous, firm flesh."
mildfirm
"The flavor was creamy and mild, less cucumber than creamed spinach. What I notice about these is how much whiter the flesh is than with West Coast Pacific oysters. The pure white meat set off by the black mantle makes for a very spiffy presentation, especially with those stunning shells, which have heavy purple & white striping and deep, perfectly curved cups."
creamymildcreamed spinach
"The Kelly Gigas is a younger oyster: it does not stay and feed as long in the water as the Native, so the taste is milder. While a farming method that takes advantage of the cool Atlantic water promotes a fabulous, firm flesh."
mildfirm
"Taste: creamy, salty, wild grasses"
creamysaltygrassy
About the Farm
Kelly Oysters
Est. 1963Founded by Michael Kelly more than 60 years ago in Kilcolgan, Galway Bay. A family business spanning three generations, the Kelly family has been farming oysters in the unique waters where the Atlantic tide blends with the sweet waters of the Burren limestone and Connemara bogs.
- Cultivation Method
- rack and bag
History & Background
The Kelly family can trace their lineage back to Ireland's High King and the first kings of Connacht: the O'Kellys were a sept of Uí Máine who migrated from the North of Ireland. Michael Kelly's father and grandfather fished for oysters before him, making this a multi-generational family tradition spanning over 60 years.
The oyster has been an important part of the Galway Bay community for more than four thousand years. Kelly Oysters are served in prestigious restaurants and hotels around the globe, as well as trendy food festivals and street food events.
Did You Know?
- Kelly Gigas oysters have pure white meat set off by black mantles
- Shells feature stunning purple and white striping
- Takes three years to reach maturity
- Kelly Oysters farm up to a million oysters every year
- Oysters are hand-harvested and packed in traditional baskets with seaweed
Sources & References
This information was compiled from 6 sources.
- Dive into Oyster Nirvana at Moran's Oyster Cottage — Cork Billy
- Farmed Kelly Gigas Oysters (50) — Kelly Oysters
- Kelly Gigas Oyster — Kelly Oysters
- Kelly Gigas Oyster — Oysterater
- Discover the Kelly Oyster Difference - Galway — Kelly Oysters
- restaurants, retailers and producers in Dubai - oyster guide — FooDiva
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Learn More
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