Chilean Flat Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Native range: Coastal waters of Chile and southern New Zealand
Also known as: Chilean Oyster, Bluff Oyster, Chilensis
The Chilean flat oyster, Ostrea chilensis, is a flat oyster native to the coastal waters of Chile and southern New Zealand, where it is celebrated as the Bluff oyster from the waters near Bluff at the southern tip of the South Island. Like other flat oysters, it has a rounded, relatively flat shell rather than a deep cup. It is prized for a rich, full, savory flavor and is the centerpiece of a famous seasonal harvest in New Zealand. Outside its native range it remains rare and little known.
1 oyster of this species
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Chilean flat oyster?
The Chilean flat oyster (Ostrea chilensis) is a flat oyster native to the coastal waters of Chile and southern New Zealand. In New Zealand it is famous as the Bluff oyster.
What does a Chilean flat oyster taste like?
Like other flat oysters, it has a rounded, relatively flat shell and is prized for a rich, full, savory flavor. It is the centerpiece of a celebrated seasonal harvest in New Zealand.