The Ultimate Guide to Belon, Great White & Bushel Oysters
The oyster world is richer and more diverse than ever. From rare European Belon oysters to crisp American Great White oysters, and from classic restaurants like Clearwater Oyster Bar to iconic spots like Pearl’s Oyster Bar, oyster culture is thriving across coastal communities.
At the same time, home cooks and raw bar enthusiasts are exploring new ways to enjoy oysters — including ordering a bushel of oysters, experimenting with dried oysters, and discovering new varieties with bold flavors and storied histories.
At Sherwood Island Oysters, we believe the best oysters combine sustainability, freshness, and authenticity. This is your complete guide to the world’s most fascinating oyster varieties, oyster bars, and culinary traditions.
Clearwater Oyster Bar – Why Coastal Raw Bars Matter
Defining the Raw Bar Experience
A great raw bar celebrates oysters in their purest form — cold, briny, and expertly shucked. Clearwater Oyster Barrepresents this coastal culture: fresh oysters on ice, knowledgeable staff, and a menu built around seasonal shellfish.
Why Clearwater Oyster Bar Is Beloved
Restaurants like Clearwater succeed because they:
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Prioritize fresh, traceable oysters
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Highlight seasonal varieties
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Support sustainable oyster farms
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Maintain strict temperature and handling standards
The Farm-to-Bar Connection
Top-tier oyster bars depend on farms like Sherwood Island Oysters, where meticulous care ensures:
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Clean flavor
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Strong brine
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Proper size and consistency
These partnerships help preserve coastal seafood heritage.
Pearl’s Oyster Bar – Classic Dining Reimagined
A Raw Bar with History
Pearl’s Oyster Bar — known for its New York raw bar roots — has long celebrated oysters as a centerpiece of coastal dining. It showcases why raw bars remain essential in seafood culture.
Why Customers Return
Pearl’s is known for:
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Fresh oysters shucked to order
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Seasonal selections
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A focus on coastal simplicity
Oyster Bars as Cultural Hubs
These restaurants preserve the traditions of oyster harvesters and highlight the flavors of local waters.
Understanding Belon Oysters – Europe’s Boldest Oyster
What Makes Belon Oysters Unique
Belon oysters (Ostrea edulis) originate from Brittany, France. Known for their unmistakable metallic intensity, they are among the rarest oysters in the world.
Flavor Profile
Belon oysters deliver:
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Sharp brine
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Copper notes
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Earthy, deep minerality
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A firm, muscular texture
They are an oyster connoisseur’s dream — bold, powerful, unforgettable.
Why Belons Are Rare
Their European lineage and strict environmental requirements make them difficult to farm. Only limited harvests exist each year, contributing to their premium reputation.
Great White Oysters – Crisp, Cold-Water Perfection
A Rising American Favorite
Great White oysters come from cold Northern waters, known for producing clean, mineral-forward shellfish with exceptional clarity of flavor.
Flavor Notes
Expect:
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Sharp, cold brine
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Clean minerality
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Delicate sweetness on the finish
Their balance makes them excellent for raw bars.
Best Ways to Serve
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On the half shell
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With classic mignonette
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Over crushed ice with lemon
Great Whites offer an ideal introduction for those discovering premium oyster varieties.
Dried Oysters – A Global Culinary Tradition
What Are Dried Oysters?
Dried oysters are shucked oysters that have been dehydrated, traditionally used in Asian cooking for their deep umami flavor.
How They’re Made
They are typically:
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Steamed
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Sun-dried or dehydrated
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Stored at room temperature
Culinary Uses
Dried oysters add richness to:
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XO sauce
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Lunar New Year dishes
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Rice porridge
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Noodle bowls
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Broths and stews
They bring a concentrated oyster intensity unlike anything else.
Buying a Bushel of Oysters – What You Need to Know
How Many Oysters Are in a Bushel?
A bushel of oysters typically contains 100–150 oysters, depending on size. It’s perfect for:
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Raw bars
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Oyster roasts
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Large family gatherings
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Seafood feasts
Why Buy a Bushel?
A bushel offers great value and lets you serve oysters multiple ways: raw, grilled, steamed, or roasted.
Sherwood Island’s Fresh Bushel Delivery
We harvest oysters daily and ship overnight in cold-packed containers. Your bushel arrives fresh, full of natural liquor, and ready for shucking.
Sherwood Island Oysters – Sustainable, Cold-Water Quality
Cold-Water Advantage
Cold waters produce oysters with:
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Firm texture
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Strong, clean brine
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Bright minerality
This is the signature flavor profile Sherwood Island is known for.
Environmental Commitment
We:
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Rebuild reefs
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Recycle shells
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Maintain clean-water farming practices
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Preserve local ecosystems
Ordering Made Simple
Order online and enjoy:
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Fresh oysters shipped to your door
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Clear harvest dates
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Safe packaging
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Detailed storage instructions
Conclusion – Oyster Heritage, Modern Flavor, and Coastal Integrity
From the metallic punch of Belon oysters to the refreshing clarity of Great White oysters, and from iconic restaurants like Clearwater Oyster Bar and Pearl’s Oyster Bar, the world of oysters is deeper and more diverse than ever.
Whether you’re looking for a bushel of oysters, experimenting with dried oysters, or seeking premium raw-bar flavor at home, Sherwood Island Oysters delivers sustainable, cold-water perfection with every shell.
Order today and experience oyster flavor the way the coast intended.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What makes Belon oysters so rare?
Belon oysters require specific environmental conditions and have limited seasonal harvests, making them a premium rarity. -
How many oysters come in a bushel?
Typically 100–150 oysters, depending on size and region. -
What are dried oysters used for?
Dried oysters are popular in Asian cooking for broths, sauces, and holiday dishes. -
What are Great White oysters known for?
Their crisp brine, cold-water clarity, and balanced mineral profile. -
Are Clearwater and Pearl’s Oyster Bar good places to try oysters?
Yes — both represent quality oyster bar traditions built on freshness and coastal flavor.
