Rainier
Crassostrea gigas
Large beach-grown Pacific oyster from South Puget Sound. Known as the 'big bad boys' of Puget Sound with plump, full meats, buttery creamy texture, light brininess and sweet flavor. Perfect for grilling or raw.
Flavor Profile
Finish
Smooth, buttery, sweet
Expert Notes
Rainier oysters are known as the 'big bad boys' of Puget Sound, cultivated in the shadow of Washington's majestic Mt. Rainier. These beach-grown Pacific oysters develop remarkably plump, full meats with a distinctive buttery, creamy texture. While their large size makes them ideal for grilling and baking, smaller Rainiers offer a delightful raw experience with light brininess balanced by a sweet, rich finish that showcases the pristine waters of South Puget Sound. Origin & Characteristics
- Species
- Crassostrea gigas
- Native to
- Japan
- Grown in
- South Puget Sound, Washington
- Size
- Large (3.5-6+ inches)
- Shell Color
- Gray-white
- Meat Color
- Cream
What Experts Say
Across 8 sources, tasters describe this oyster as:
Unique notes: mineral finish, soft mineral
"A meaty texture oyster with a strong briny taste and a soft mineral finish"
brinymeatymineral
"The meat is full and firm. The briny, sea fresh taste, is sure to be enjoyed by all."
brinysea freshfirmfull
"This oyster has the same flavor characteristics of our popular half-shell sized Gold Creek Oysters. The meat is full and firm. The briny, sea fresh taste."
brinysea freshfirmfull
"This large oyster is beach grown on the Puget Sound's southern most beaches in view of majestic Mt. Rainier. This oyster has the same flavor characteristics of our popular half-shell sized Gold Creek Oysters. Perfect for baking or grilling, or putting in a stew, the meat is full and firm."
firmfull
"Beach grown on the Puget Sound's south most beaches in view of majestic Mt. Rainier. The meat is full and firm. The briny, sea fresh taste, is sure to be enjoyed by all."
brinysea freshfirmfull
About the Farm
Penn Cove Shellfish
Penn Cove Shellfish cultivates Rainier oysters on the southern beaches of Puget Sound with views of Mt. Rainier, producing large beach-grown oysters perfect for grilling.
- Cultivation Method
- beach grown
History & Background
The Rainier oyster name is associated with Mount Rainier, the iconic peak visible from the southern Puget Sound beaches where these oysters are cultivated. The area has historical significance related to oyster cultivation dating back over a century.
Known locally as the 'big bad boys' of Puget Sound, Rainier oysters are particularly popular for grilling and roasting due to their large size.
Did You Know?
- Named after majestic Mt. Rainier which is visible from the cultivation beaches
- Typically 4.5-5.5 inches in size, making them ideal for grilling
- Shares flavor characteristics with the smaller Gold Creek oyster variety
Sources & References
This information was compiled from 8 sources.
- Rainier Beach - Penn Cove Shellfish — Penn Cove Shellfish
- Rainier Oysters - Chef's Resources — Chef's Resources
- Rainier Oysters - Fortune Fish & Gourmet — Fortune Fish & Gourmet
- Live Oyster Descriptions 2014 - Fortune Fish — Fortune Fish & Gourmet
- Oyster Descriptions 2012 - Fortune Fish — Fortune Fish & Gourmet
- Rainier Oysters - Whidbey Island Shellfish — Whidbey Island Shellfish
- Celebrating, and Saving, the West Coast's Only Native Oyster — Our Wild Puget Sound
- West Coast Gems at Grand Central Oyster Bar — In A Half Shell
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Learn More
The Big Five: A Complete Guide to Commercial Oyster Species
Comprehensive guide to C. virginica (Atlantic), C. gigas (Pacific), C. sikamea (Kumamoto), O. lurida (Olympia), and O. edulis (European Flat)
Read article → Biology & SpeciesThe Pacific Oyster (C. gigas): Cream, Cucumber, and the Japanese Legacy
Understanding the world's most cultivated oyster - from Japanese origins to West Coast dominance
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Understanding merroir - the marine equivalent of terroir - and how water chemistry creates flavor
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