Page 4 - Bord Bia | Irish Oyster Producers 2019

OYSTERS FROM IRELAND

Oyster cultivation in Ireland dates back to the 13th century but consumption of oysters
in Ireland has been a tradition for over 4,000 years. Today, Irish oyster growers still use
traditional methods to provide ideal conditions for their Irish rock oysters (Crassostrea
gigas) and native flat oysters (Ostrea edulis) to grow. With over 7,500 km of coastline to
work with and rain filtering through 12,000km of turf lands, it is the perfect location to
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carry on this time honoured tradition.
Oysters from Ireland are rich and varied in taste with each bay, in which they are grown,
contributing to this distinctive flavour. A combination of lingering sweet iodine flavours
with a hint of nut to subtle citrus notes. The unique blend of wild Atlantic waters, clean
freshwater rivers and minerals from an unspoilt landscape makes each Irish oyster
a unique taste experience. Due to abundant plankton and the exceptional growing
conditions around the Irish coast, oysters from Ireland have distinctively high meat
content.

The constant flow of the Atlantic around the island also helps shape each oyster into
a perfect tear-drop shape with a very strong shell and a smooth pearly white enamel.
Oysters from Ireland are rich in protein and low in fat with exceptionally high levels of
trace elements such as iodine, iron, selenium copper and zinc. Coupled with the unspoilt
growing conditions available in Ireland this is as natural and pure as food can be.

4 - Oysters from Ireland