Royal Courtesan
Crassostrea gigas
Beach-raised Pacific oyster from Cortes Island, BC. Bold, briny, and metallic with robust mineral intensity and a strong, clean finish. Cultivated by renowned oyster farmer Brent Petkau.
Flavor Profile
Finish
Strong, metallic, memorable
Expert Notes
Royal Courtesan oysters are beach-raised gems from Cortes Island, cultivated by Brent 'The Oyster Man' Petkau. These Pacific oysters deliver a powerhouse of briny, metallic flavors with robust mineral intensity that reflects the pristine cold waters of British Columbia. The beach-raising method produces firm-textured oysters with a concentrated ocean punch and clean, crisp finish that appeals to experienced oyster enthusiasts seeking bold, uncompromising flavors. Origin & Characteristics
- Species
- Crassostrea gigas
- Native to
- Japan
- Grown in
- Cortes Island, British Columbia
- Size
- Medium (2.5-4 inches)
- Shell Color
- Gray-white
- Meat Color
- Cream to light gray
What Experts Say
Across 4 sources, tasters describe this oyster as:
Unique notes: opulent, adventurous, sensuous, perfect
"The 'Royal Courtesan' is a beach grown oyster with a fresh and crisp taste that imparts a feeling of both opulence and adventure."
freshcrisp
"Look at that, I can't improve on this. This is... [perfect]"
perfect
"Simply sensuous! Each oyster is raised with consummate care on my tide-swept beach. The 'Royal Courtesans' truly represents what is for me, a labour of love."
sensuousclean
About the Farm
The Oyster Man (Brent Petkau)
Brent Petkau, known as 'The Oyster Man', farms Royal Courtesans on Cortes Island using artisanal oyster farming techniques that require extra care. He describes them as 'the sexiest growing oyster in the world' and offers a grower-direct oyster eating experience.
- Cultivation Method
- beach culture
History & Background
Royal Courtesan oysters are cultivated by renowned oyster farmer Brent Petkau on the tide-swept beaches of Cortes Island in British Columbia's Strait of Georgia.
Brent Petkau promotes 'Community Supported Mariculture' and 'Oysters to the People' events, building intimate relationships between oyster farmers and consumers through grower-direct sales.
Did You Know?
- The farmer calls them 'the sexiest growing oyster in the world'
- Named 'Royal Courtesan' to evoke feelings of opulence and adventure
- Has a distinct dark mantle and very hard, well-developed outer shell
Sources & References
This information was compiled from 4 sources.
- Welcome to The Oyster Man - Whaletown - Cortes - BC - Canada — theoysterman.com
- Welcome to The Oyster Man - BC - Brent Petkau - The Oyster Man — theoysterman.com
- British Columbia Oysters - Oysterater — oysterater.com
- OysterFinder - The Oyster Guide — oysterguide.com
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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
Read article → Merroir & EnvironmentWhat is Merroir? The Science of How Environment Shapes Oyster Flavor
Understanding merroir - the marine equivalent of terroir - and how water chemistry creates flavor
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