KAKI - BC WEST COAST OYSTERS - Crassostrea gigas
Description
牡蠣 KAKI - BC WEST COAST OYSTERS - Crassostrea gigas
Location
BC / Washington
Size/Weight
5 dz
10 dz
Texture/Flavor Profile
Local West Coast oysters offer a smooth, plump texture with a slight crunch. Their flavor is clean, briny, and mildly sweet with a refreshing oceanic finish. The balance of saltiness and sweetness gives them a distinct, well-rounded taste, making them perfect for raw consumption or lightly cooked in a variety of dishes.
Availability/Seasonality
West Coast oysters are available year-round, with peak harvest seasons in the colder months, from fall to spring. This consistent availability allows chefs to feature these oysters on menus year-round, ensuring fresh, high-quality oysters for various culinary applications, from raw to cooked preparations.
About
Kaki, or local West Coast oysters, Crassostrea gigas, are farmed in the pristine waters along the West Coast, known for their clean, pure flavor. These oysters are raised in a controlled environment, offering a consistent taste and texture. Widely appreciated in Japanese cuisine, they are often enjoyed raw on the half shell or incorporated into hot pots and other dishes where their briny richness can shine.
Preparation
To prepare, simply shuck the oysters and serve them on the half shell with fresh lemon, mignonette, or a dash of hot sauce. For cooked preparations, grill or steam them lightly, topping with butter or garlic for added flavor. Oysters can also be used in soups, stews, or as an ingredient in seafood pasta dishes.
Nutritional Value
West Coast oysters are a rich source of protein, low in fat, and packed with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B12 and D, and minerals such as iron and zinc. They provide a nutrient-dense option for any meal while supporting heart health and boosting the immune system.
Selection and Storage
Select oysters that are tightly closed, indicating freshness. Store live oysters in a cool, damp environment, ideally in the refrigerator, and consume within a few days. Avoid storing them in airtight containers, as they need to breathe. For longer storage, oysters can be frozen after shucking.
Summary
Kaki, local West Coast oysters, Crassostrea gigas, are prized for their clean, briny flavor and smooth texture. Perfect for raw or cooked applications, they enhance any dish with their refreshing, oceanic taste. With year-round availability, these oysters are a versatile and nutritious option for any chef’s menu.
Location
BC / Washington
Size/Weight
5 dz
10 dz
Texture/Flavor Profile
Local West Coast oysters offer a smooth, plump texture with a slight crunch. Their flavor is clean, briny, and mildly sweet with a refreshing oceanic finish. The balance of saltiness and sweetness gives them a distinct, well-rounded taste, making them perfect for raw consumption or lightly cooked in a variety of dishes.
Availability/Seasonality
West Coast oysters are available year-round, with peak harvest seasons in the colder months, from fall to spring. This consistent availability allows chefs to feature these oysters on menus year-round, ensuring fresh, high-quality oysters for various culinary applications, from raw to cooked preparations.
About
Kaki, or local West Coast oysters, Crassostrea gigas, are farmed in the pristine waters along the West Coast, known for their clean, pure flavor. These oysters are raised in a controlled environment, offering a consistent taste and texture. Widely appreciated in Japanese cuisine, they are often enjoyed raw on the half shell or incorporated into hot pots and other dishes where their briny richness can shine.
Preparation
To prepare, simply shuck the oysters and serve them on the half shell with fresh lemon, mignonette, or a dash of hot sauce. For cooked preparations, grill or steam them lightly, topping with butter or garlic for added flavor. Oysters can also be used in soups, stews, or as an ingredient in seafood pasta dishes.
Nutritional Value
West Coast oysters are a rich source of protein, low in fat, and packed with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B12 and D, and minerals such as iron and zinc. They provide a nutrient-dense option for any meal while supporting heart health and boosting the immune system.
Selection and Storage
Select oysters that are tightly closed, indicating freshness. Store live oysters in a cool, damp environment, ideally in the refrigerator, and consume within a few days. Avoid storing them in airtight containers, as they need to breathe. For longer storage, oysters can be frozen after shucking.
Summary
Kaki, local West Coast oysters, Crassostrea gigas, are prized for their clean, briny flavor and smooth texture. Perfect for raw or cooked applications, they enhance any dish with their refreshing, oceanic taste. With year-round availability, these oysters are a versatile and nutritious option for any chef’s menu.