Basic Profile
Origin
Quadra Island, northern Strait of Georgia, British Columbia, Canada
Species
Crassostrea gigas (Pacific Oyster)
Classification
Farmed; tray-grown
Farming Method
Grown in trays from start to finish; harvested at about two years
Producer
Quadra Island growers
Visual Signature
Small white shell flecked with pink and brown, with ridged horns
Quadra Island lies at the very northern end of the Strait of Georgia. Its oysters are grown in trays from start to finish and harvested at about two years, at cocktail size.1
The Shell
Rowan Jacobsen describes delicate white shells flecked with pink and brown and covered in ridged horns, which remind him of spiked caterpillars. He also warns that the cups vary more than a tray-grown oyster's should: some are shallow and hold almost nothing.1
Flavor Breakdown
The taste
It hints at green apple candy, with a slight tarragon finish, and is lighter than most Pacific oysters.1
What Makes Quadra Island Unique
Herbs are rare in oyster tasting notes. Tarragon at the finish is this oyster's signature.1
A pretty, light, small Pacific. Order it as a first oyster of the evening, and check the cups before you pay for a dozen.
Should You Add Lemon?
Cautiously
It is light. A drop, or nothing.
Pairing Guide
1
Chablis
Lean enough not to bury a light oyster.
2
Muscadet sur lie
Leaner still.
| Optimal | Plain |
| Acceptable | A drop of mignonette |
| Avoid | Cocktail sauce |
Who Is This For?
Will love it
- People who like small, delicate-shelled oysters
- Tasters hunting for unusual notes
Should skip it
- Anyone who wants a full, meaty oyster
Sources
- Jacobsen, R. "Quadra Island." The Oyster Guide. oysterguide.com