Canada boasts some of the world's most pristine coastlines, including along British Columbia and the Atlantic provinces. It's from these cold, clean, nutrient-rich waters that our nation's renowned oysters are harvested from wild populations and carefully tended farms. Depending on their origins, oysters go by various names, such as Pacific oysters from British Columbia or the celebrated Atlantic oysters from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and Quebec.
Oysters have an irregularly shaped shell protecting a tender mollusk inside. The taste? It's like a kiss from the ocean—a blend of salty, briny, and sweet, with subtle variations in flavour depending on their region of origin; the term for these differences is meroir. Some describe it as tasting the essence of the sea itself. They're often enjoyed raw right on the half-shell, garnished with just a splash of lemon or with a dab of hot sauce, though they're versatile enough to be cooked in various recipes. You might even find one waiting in a Bloody Caesar, a coming together of two quintessential Canadian taste experiences.
From the chilly Pacific waters of British Columbia, this versatile and nutritious species is as delicious in a tuna salad as it is served hot off the grill.
A source of omega-3s
Helps maintain bones and teeth
Excellent source of Vitamin B12
Featured Recipe:
Oven-Baked Tuna Melts
Sometimes called “ocean perch,” this Atlantic fish is moist and lean, flakes nicely on a fork, and delivers a hint of sweetness.
Source of choline, a building block for neurotransmitters
Helps with energy metabolism
Excellent source of Vitamin B12
Featured Recipe:
Fish Musubi
There aren’t many seafood species you can buy live, fresh, cooked, or canned, often in the same store. The pride of Atlantic Canada, our succulent lobsters are second to none.
An excellent source of copper
Contains antioxidants
Low in saturated fats compared to other meat proteins
Featured Recipe:
10-Minute Ranch Lobster Rolls